Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Fiat 500, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train8
- Electrical system3
- Engine3
- Service brakes3
- Air bags2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Unknown or other2
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
- Structure1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 8 2016 500 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 5 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2016 Fiat 500 failed the safety check 1.15% of the time — 42% less often than the average 2016 passenger car (1.97%). Median odometer at inspection: 45,508 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2016
169,198 new Fiat 500 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were Italy (49,325), the United Kingdom (32,740), Germany (22,095).
- Average mass
- 995 kg
- Average power
- 62 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 92% · Diesel 5.7% · LPG 2.1%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2016 Fiat 500 cars on Dutch roads are the 0.9 petrol (59 kW, 79 hp), 1.2 petrol (51 kW, 68 hp) and 0.9 petrol (63 kW, 84 hp), out of 6 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9 petrol | 59 kW 79 hp | 4,610 |
| 1.2 petrol | 51 kW 68 hp | 2,469 |
| 0.9 petrol | 63 kW 84 hp | 267 |
| 0.9 petrol | 77 kW 103 hp | 122 |
| 1.0 petrol | 44 kW 59 hp | 115 |
| 1.4 petrol | 132 kW 177 hp | 20 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
7,660 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 26% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €19,290.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde4,795
- Band onvoldoende profiel2,271
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld1,664
- Band beschadigd1,370
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm1,128
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht1,028
- Schokdemper aanwezig die lekkage vertoont881
- Rem- of parkeerremkabel / buitenkabel ondeugdelijk716
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
46,860 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 593 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 31,398 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 74% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13.3% | 4.9% |
| Tyres | 6.2% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Visibility | 4.2% | 3.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.0% | 6.1% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 1.4% | 1.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
157 of these cars first registered in 2016 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 88,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
145 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register; 3% arrived as used imports, 94% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | 14.7 % |
| 2016 Fiat 500 BEV 3 HB FWD | — | 0.0 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 10 variants: combined 6.8–8.6 L/100 km (about 27–35 mpg US), CO₂ 160–200 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Hatchback · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 7.6 | 5.9 | 6.8 |
| 500 Cabrio · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 6.3 | 7.2 |
| 500 Abarth Cabrio · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 8.5 | 6.9 | 7.8 |
| 500 Abarth Hatchback · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 8.5 | 6.9 | 7.8 |
| 500 Hatchback Turbo · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 8.5 | 6.9 | 7.8 |
| 500 Cabrio · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 8.7 | 6.9 | 7.9 |
| 500 Hatchback · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 8.7 | 6.9 | 7.9 |
| 500 Abarth Cabrio · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 9.6 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
| 500 Abarth Hatchback · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 9.6 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
| 500 Hatchback Turbo · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 9.6 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
3 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Fiat 500.
| 2024548 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2016447 13 Sept 2016 | Label Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 - Tire Selection and Rims. The Tire and Loading Informati… |
| 2016217 12 May 2016 | Powertrain On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, clutch diaphragm springs may crack or become damaged, which could result in the driver being unable to … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch gears.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Fiat told its dealers about the 2016 Fiat 500: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11005320 | "Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates. NOTE: Verify current warranty policy to determine if digital imaging pre-authorization is required or pre-approval is required from the Regional Office; depending on market. This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels." |
| 10251783 | Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On |
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10247995 | Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates. NOTE: **Verify current warranty policy to determine if digital imaging pre authorization is required or Pre Approval is required from Regional Office depending on market.** This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels. |
| 10244356 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10243209 | FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC |
| 10243208 | Warranty Bulletin D-16-03 - "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC (Rev. B) |
| 10242717 | Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used |
| 10239957 | Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant |
| 10236933 | wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK |
| 10234468 | Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates. NOTE: **Verify current warranty policy to determine if digital imaging pre authorization is required or Pre Approval is required from Regional Office depending on market.** This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels. |
| 10234420 | Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On |
| 10231800 | 2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block. |
| 10230183 | No Start, Cannot Complete Module Replace, Proxi Or Module Proxi Configuration |
| 10230180 | Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle. |
| 10229810 | Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates. NOTE: Digital imaging pre authorization is required for Smart Warranty Base dealers or Pre Approval is required from Regional Office depending on market. This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishing the suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels. |
| 10229572 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10228988 | Lithium Ion Batteries BeginningApril 1, 2022, a $5,000 penaltywill be assessed to dealers who return any visually damaged battery to the supplier. Improper handling of damaged lithium ion batteries can cause property damage, serious injury or even death. Exemptions will not be made for any dealer who fails to follow the appropriate handling process.To read the DCMail communication, go to DealerCONNECT > DCMail (ID: 81758) For details on recyclers, please visit the Mopar Dealer Site Lithium Ion Battery Handling page: https://www.dealers-mopar.com/moparone/retail/programs/battery-program/lith |
| 10227983 | If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. |
| 10225424 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10225287 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10224899 | 1.4L FIRE Service Engine (Normally Aspirated) This engine in this kit will contain one of 8 different production full dress engines, but labeled as component engine 68275870AA or 71AA. The received engine will be configured for use with an automatic transmission, (includes auto transmission adapter plate / flexplate) or manual transmission. (includes flywheel / clutch asm) The received engine will be configured with or without a block heater. If required, dealer to purchase/install the block heater. The included instruction sheet K6855863AB in engine kit 68275870AA is to be followed f |
| 10223987 | Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishingthe suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels. |
| 10223855 | Washer Fluid Level Sensor Prior to replacing this part due to "Low Washer Fluid" tell tale light on the dash and the washer fluid bottle is full, please perform the this inspection. Inspect the sensor for a fluid coating on the sensor pins. Orange colored rain repellant can cause this fluid build-up. Clean the pins, drain the reservoir, and fill with Mopar approved washer fluid. Check to determine if the issue has been resolved. Continue with repair if necessary. Also, please inform the customer not to use Rain-X in the system to avoid this issue. Please contact Chuck Hood at cell (248 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Electrical overstress
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation