Most common 2016 Fiat 500 problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Fiat 500 complaints by model year
Best 500 years: 2018, 2017, 2016. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013. Compare all years →
2016 Fiat 500 recalls (3)
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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."
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
Remedy: Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2016.
Power train › Manual transmission
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.
Remedy: The remedy for this recall will include the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Fiat 500:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2016 Fiat 500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact restarted the vehicle and forcefully shifted the transmission into 2nd gear to prevent losing motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,350.
Passenger side drive axle failed on 2016 500e with only 35650 miles but no longer under warranty. Method of failure: Bolts holding axle to transmission sheered resulting in a loss of power. Car was brought to Orange County Chrysler for repair. Dealer informed me that there was a Chrysler Recall N51 for 2013 Fiat 500e for the same problem, but it didn't apply to my year. Numerous blogs on the internet show similar failures for newer models. A sound engineering fix should be developed and implemented as a Safety Recall.
Engine & cooling
El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marc muchas fallas en las cuales les tom foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se peg en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los c digos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la bater a sigue en un 47% pero a n as sigue sin funcionar el veh culo
On multiple occasions my wife's care has refused to srmtart with now answer from the dealership why, the brakes have been replaced by Fiat under warranty and they still squeak when in reverse, and lately it says there is a tire sensor that is damaged or low along with drive mode unavailable, this keeps us from using the AWD system effectively, and Fiat said they fixed the issue once before and it came back within the week. The car has had electrical problems from the day she bought it along with multiple occasions with not starting and multiple computer problems with now help from the dealerships, this car is still covered under all warranties and still causes problems with my wife going to work. On two occasions the drive mode unavailable error came up while driving, this doesn't allow the car to operate the AWD system like it should
Electrical system
El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marc muchas fallas en las cuales les tom foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se peg en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los c digos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la bater a sigue en un 47% pero a n as sigue sin funcionar el veh culo
On multiple occasions my wife's care has refused to srmtart with now answer from the dealership why, the brakes have been replaced by Fiat under warranty and they still squeak when in reverse, and lately it says there is a tire sensor that is damaged or low along with drive mode unavailable, this keeps us from using the AWD system effectively, and Fiat said they fixed the issue once before and it came back within the week. The car has had electrical problems from the day she bought it along with multiple occasions with not starting and multiple computer problems with now help from the dealerships, this car is still covered under all warranties and still causes problems with my wife going to work. On two occasions the drive mode unavailable error came up while driving, this doesn't allow the car to operate the AWD system like it should
2016 Fiat 500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 31 / 38 / 34 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 28 / 33 / 30 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 33 / 29 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 32 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Fiat 500 a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 500 rates better than average: 87% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 500 at the same age. It is one of the best 500 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Fiat 500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 8 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year, most often about clutch assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2016 Fiat 500 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2016 Fiat 500, the most recent from June 25, 2024 (pressure monitoring and regulating systems). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Fiat 500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2017 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2013. See the full Fiat 500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Fiat 500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 82% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.