Most common 2017 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 →
2017 Fiat 500 recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 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 2017 Fiat 500 owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine, TPMS, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking and making an abnormal sound. The failure was recurrent. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was contacted by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 15,873.
My 2017 Silver FIAT 500 pop has a defective miles odometer that flashes. The car was purchased from Tobin Fiat of Las Vegas on 8/21/2017. I test drove this car to my home for 3 days before buying it. On day 2 it starting flashing. I returned to the dealer, reported it and was told it would be repaired. I have over 40 Videos on my cel phone that prove its defective over a 4 year period. Most resent issues on, 10/30/21, 11/1/21, 11/10/21. All 3 parties have refused to fix, repair or replace what causes the flashing miles indicator in my car. They said it doesn't exist so there is nothing to fix. The car was sent to the Fiat dealership in Henderson for a few days and they said it didn't flash while there so Fiat, Chrysler and Tobin Fiat of Las Vegas saw it as a none issue or as a customer complaint about nothing.
Body & structure
The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side door handles fractured and detached from the inner side of the handle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that water had entered the door handles. The door handles were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
After owning the vehicle for just 5 months, I was pushing in my passenger side view mirror and it popped off. I went back and forth with the dealer, taking in a couple of times to take pictures. After 2 months, Fiat has come back to say that this is normal wear and tear and is not covered by warranty.
Transmission & drivetrain
After a sudden stop (no impact), the car would no longer go into or come out of gear while running. When the car is not running it will still shift normally. The repair shop initially thought it was the slave cylinder but the problem persisted. They then changed the clutch and are now recommending replacing the inner CV axle boot. The problem described is similar in symptons to the existing recall on 2012-2016 Fiat 500s and the partial recall on 2017 Fiat 500s. It seems logical that all of these issues are somehow related to a flaw in the design or manufacturing.
Car has moved out of "park" 4 times and the last time rolled down my drive way and hit another car. I want to have this vehicle returned and get another car. We took this vehicle into the dealer about 4 months ago for electronic gauge and system problems. They said there was nothing wrong with it. I don't believe them anymore.
2017 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 2017 Fiat 500 a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 500 rates better than average: 88% 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 2017 Fiat 500?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (3) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2017 Fiat 500 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2017 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 2017 Fiat 500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 16,000 miles; 100% 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.