Transmission complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle randomly stuck in park and will not move in reverse or drive, at one point was in drive and moving while saying gear not available. All the complaints of the 2014 models and mine was manufactured in 2014 but labeled a 2015. Fiat is quoting the repair at 3000- to over 10k while second opinion transmission specialist says there is no fix and it's a manufacturer computer defect only temporarily fixed with a new transmission.
The car is showing the same symptoms described in the 2014 500l transmission recall. It will either stay in the parking gear or have significant delays in switching gears. We first saw the issue with a parked, cold car. First use in the morning. It was never moved from there other than being towed to 2 different shops. Currently the vehicle is at a shop waiting for a second estimate for repair. The first diagnostic came from a Fiat dealer followed by a verbal estimate at more than $3900. See attached. This vehicle was built on jan 2015, shortly after the 2014 recalled models. The recall did not come out until 2017. Could these 2015 models have the same problems that LED to the 2014 model recall?
So the dealer fixed the transmission / power train recall in 2020, my car is now doing exactly what the recall states, getting stuck in park, asking me to put engine in neutral and then drive without the car moving, so on and so forth. Fiat, as well as the repair dealer northside imports, is refusing to fix this issue as they state the car is out of warranty, and they feel they fixed the recall. This car only has 73k miles on it. The other issue of complaint is that the wire melted on the blower fan for the ac unit. Smelled burning wires in the car, and both fiat and dealer state that is normal wear and tear. That is not, as it could have caused a fire inside the car, luckily i was able to pull over and put out the smoldering wire. I need this fixed, and fiat is refusing to cover. …
The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated while his wife was accelerating from a standing stop at a traffic signal, the vehicle hesitated and then jerk and lunged forward once the transmission was shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the check engine warning light and a message "Transmission Fault" warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his wife stopped the vehicle and had difficulty shifting into park(P). The contact had to turn the vehicle off and on several times for the transmission to function normally. The contact stated that the hesitation and lunging forward nearly caused several crashes. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where the contact was advised that the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated, and that the vehicle could not be diagnosed if the warning light was not illuminated. …
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration maybe incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when accelerator pedal is fully pressed.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2017. Owners may the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is T19.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 5, 2013, through January 22, 2014. In certain temperatures, moving the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a transmission gear.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter module or update the shifter software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Fiat 500L years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (123) and 2015 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 67% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Fiat 500L transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 17V-192 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Mar 21, 2017); 14V-103 (automatic transmission, Mar 4, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Fiat 500L transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 38% 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.