Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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On multiple occasions my wife's care has refused to srmtart with now answer from the dealership why, the brakes have been replaced by Fiat under warranty and they still squeak when in reverse, and lately it says there is a tire sensor that is damaged or low along with drive mode unavailable,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
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: High voltage battery system, the vehicle is available for viewing. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: Long time garage storage of vehicle and limited owners manual description on procedure to maintain high voltage battery during extended non use of vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?: The problem has been reproduced and the vehicle is currently at a Fiat/Chrysler dealership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?: The component is currently under inspection, the vehicle has been at the Fiat/Chrysler since 8/11/2021, it is now 9/18/2021. …
After bringing vehicle to a complete stop at a traffic light, it died and gave a propulsion system warning. After about 20 attempts to turn off and reboot the vehicle, it restarted and behaved as if nothing had happened. This was a very dangerous situation with the vehicle stuck in the middle of the road. There have been two recalls on this very specific issue (and this vehicle has had that related software updates). Vehicle did the exact same behavior for no reason. (NHTSA campaign: 16V303000 & 15V179000). And because the vehicle wasn't sold in Georgia, no local dealers know how to work on it.
On 1/24/2024 the check engine came on. I went to auto zone the same day and they check the alert. They advised the code possibly could be the spark plugs or ignition coil. The engine light went off on 2/6/2024 and I went to the dealership for them to check the code information. The code that appear PCM P0301-00 Active Cylinder 1 Misfire-
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle jerked violently. A message appeared on the dashboard instructing the contact to place the transmission shifter in the neutral position and then into the drive position. The contact followed the instructions and the engine failed without warning. The contact attempted to restart the engine multiple times before succeeding. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was reluctant to accelerate and drive slowly. The contact also noticed a burning odor. The contact discovered that the odor was coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000. …
In June 2025, while driving my 2013 Fiat Abarth at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. This happened on one of the hottest days of the year with another person in the car, creating a serious risk of a high-speed collision. The cause was later confirmed by a different Fiat dealership: a port in the intake/PCV system had been left completely uncapped after service at a Fiat dealership in 2024. The mechanic who worked on my car apparently believed this was only a "vent" and not part of the vacuum system - a dangerous misunderstanding that allowed unmetered air into the engine. This disrupted the air/fuel mixture and led directly to the stall. I have written proof from the dealership admitting to the "vent" claim. A competent technician should know the difference between a vent and a vacuum port. …
While driving down the highway, I noticed my engine began to shake violently and began to make a strong knocking noise. The check engine light then illuminated and started blinking, indicating a serious problem. I immediately attempted to pull over because the car was no longer safe to drive. I waited a few hours on the side of the road and had the car towed to a mechanic shop. They told me that there was an engine misfire on cylinder 3. They then pointed me toward the dealership. At the dealership, they found that three cylinders had exhaust valves that were burnt out, and needed to be replaced. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The exhaust valves of cylinders 1, 2, and 3. I have photos of what the valves looked like, but may not be able to retrieve the defective valves. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Fiat 500 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (53), 2013 (22), 2014 (20) and 2015 (12) model years. Engine complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Fiat 500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Fiat 500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Fiat 500 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles; 72% happened 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.