VehicleVerdict

2014 Fiat 500L problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 268 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 17.3 times the median 500L year — the 2014 model ranks #1 of 4 500L years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 46% of all reports (123 of 268), far ahead of electrical system at 33.

268

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other 500L years?

500L NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted268 complaints2014: 268 complaints2015: 29 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 1 complaints
500L NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500L years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Fiat 500L problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission12346%
Electrical System3312%
Engine3112%
Speed Control207%
Other176%
Steering93%
Brakes93%
Fuel System62%
Airbags62%
Body & Structure41%
Suspension31%
Lighting21%
Driver Assistance21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seat Belts10%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2014 Fiat 500L have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V192000TransmissionMarch 21, 2017 · 25,583 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration maybe incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when accelerator pedal is fully pressed.

Consequence

If the vehicle does not accelerate as expected, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2017. Owners may the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is T19.

14V481000AirbagsAugust 6, 2014 · 25,479 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P42.

14V103000TransmissionMarch 4, 2014 · 18,100 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 5, 2013, through January 22, 2014. In certain temperatures, moving the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a transmission gear.

Consequence

If there is no effect, the vehicle might not shift out of the Park position. If there is a delayed effect, the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter module or update the shifter software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P06.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING TO GO HOME, VEHICLE WON'T SHIFT AND UNEXPECTED DIRECTION AND LOSS OF POWER CAUSING VEHICLE AND MYSELF TO COLLIDE WITH LIGHT POLE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. GAS PEDAL STUCK AND TRANSMISSION HAD VERY SLOW SELECTIONS. VEHICLE HAD FLASHING CONTROL LIGHTS BEFORE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. MY VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 9, 2012 · crash

“So the dealer fixed the transmission / power train recall in 2020, my car is now doing exactly what the recall states, getting stuck in park, asking me to put engine in neutral and then drive without the car moving, so on and so forth. Fiat, as well as the repair dealer northside imports, is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 29, 2022 · fire

“IM GETTING A TURBO UNDERBOOST CODE FROM THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. IT'S A SOLID LIGHT NOT FLASHING. I DO NOT HAVE A GAS CAP & IVE ALREADY HAD A SMOKE REST WHICH REVEALED NO LEAKS. I STARTED PUTTING PREMIUM GAS & THE LIGHT WENT OFF & WAS BACK TO PEAK DRIVING PERFORMANCE BUT RECENTLY IT CAME ON AGAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 3, 2018

“DEC 23 2015 VEHICLE HAS 35,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN OUR DRIVEWAY EVERY GEAR WAS NEUTRAL. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 38 DAYS BEFORE WE RECEIVED IT BACK. ALL REPAIRS DONE UNDER WARRANTY. FEB 9 2017 WHILE IN A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO REVERSE HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STARTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 24, 2017 · crash

“MY CAR STARTED BEING SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS. TODAY, WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY I WANTED TO RUN AN ERRAND. I STARTED MY CAR BUT COULD NOT MOVE IT. IT IS STUCK IN PARK. I AM UNABLE TO SHIFT TO ANOTHER GEAR. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I AM DISABLED WITH A MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT, DIABETIC AND UNABLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 10, 2018

2014 Fiat 500L — common questions

Is the 2014 Fiat 500L reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 268 complaints put the 2014 model at #1 of 4 500L years. It is one of the 500L years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 500L problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (123 complaints), electrical system (33 complaints), engine (31 complaints).

Does the 2014 Fiat 500L have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Fiat 500L. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Fiat 500L years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 500L years to avoid are 2014. The cleanest record among 500L years belongs to 2017.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.