VehicleVerdict

2016 Fiat 500X problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 261 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 52.2 times the median 500X year — the 2016 model ranks #1 of 8 500X years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (58), engine (52), and transmission (50), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

261

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other 500X years?

500X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted261 complaints2016: 261 complaints2017: 23 complaints2018: 22 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 0 complaints
500X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500X years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Fiat 500X problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5822%
Engine5220%
Transmission5019%
Other3313%
Lighting145%
Speed Control104%
Steering83%
Body & Structure73%
Brakes62%
Fuel System62%
Airbags52%
Suspension42%
Driver Assistance42%
Seat Belts21%
Tires & Wheels21%

Does the 2016 Fiat 500X have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V529000TransmissionJuly 12, 2016 · 329,540 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.

Consequence

If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY CAR HAS GONE TO THE DEALER REPEATEDLY FOR THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: BAD STRUTS, LOOSE ENGINE MOUNTS, OVERHEATING (BROKEN FAN), "DRIVE MODE NOT AVAILABLE", RADIO NOT WORKING, AND NOW MESSAGES SAYING LIGHTS ARE OUT WHEN THEY ARE NOT (CODE SAYS "PENDING CODE") THIS CAR DRIVES TERRIBLE AND IS UNSAFE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 18, 2019 · fire

“MY CAR HAS GONE TO THE DEALER REPEATEDLY FOR THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: BAD STRUTS, LOOSE ENGINE MOUNTS, OVERHEATING (BROKEN FAN), "DRIVE MODE NOT AVAILABLE", RADIO NOT WORKING, AND NOW MESSAGES SAYING LIGHTS ARE OUT WHEN THEY ARE NOT (CODE SAYS "PENDING CODE") THIS CAR DRIVES TERRIBLE AND IS UNSAFE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 18, 2019 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING MY FIAT 500X, IT JERKS WHEN IT'S SHIFTING GEARS OR ACCELERATING. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A BULLETIN CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION I BELIEVE. BUT WHATEVER UPDATE WAS DONE, IT DID NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I'VE LOOKED FOR INFO REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 15, 2020

“WHILE DRIVING MY FIAT 500X, IT JERKS WHEN IT'S SHIFTING GEARS OR ACCELERATING. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A BULLETIN CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION I BELIEVE. BUT WHATEVER UPDATE WAS DONE, IT DID NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I'VE LOOKED FOR INFO REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 15, 2020

“MY CAR HAS GONE TO THE DEALER REPEATEDLY FOR THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: BAD STRUTS, LOOSE ENGINE MOUNTS, OVERHEATING (BROKEN FAN), "DRIVE MODE NOT AVAILABLE", RADIO NOT WORKING, AND NOW MESSAGES SAYING LIGHTS ARE OUT WHEN THEY ARE NOT (CODE SAYS "PENDING CODE") THIS CAR DRIVES TERRIBLE AND IS UNSAFE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 18, 2019 · fire

2016 Fiat 500X — common questions

Is the 2016 Fiat 500X reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 261 complaints put the 2016 model at #1 of 8 500X years. It is one of the 500X years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 500X problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (58 complaints), engine (52 complaints), transmission (50 complaints).

Does the 2016 Fiat 500X have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Fiat 500X. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Fiat 500X years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 500X years to avoid are 2016. The cleanest record among 500X years belongs to 2023.

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.