Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Fiat 500X owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unintendedly shifted from drive(D) to neutral(N). The RPM became elevated; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. While driving approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While in LIMP Mode, the contact coasted to the side of the road and waited for several minutes before continuing to drive. The failure had occurred twice. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic, who determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be rebuilt. The dealer also diagnosed that there was a failure with the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster lights were cleared; however, the transmission was not repaired. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, several messages stating that the 4-WD system and the drive mode selector system were not available were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a computer software update was performed, per the manufacturer's recommendation; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure recurred upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the vehicle would not start, and the vehicle had to be jumped. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, immediately after retrieving the vehicle, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 33,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle using the Push-to-Start button, the engine failed to crank or start. The vehicle was started after the fifteenth attempt. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal was extremely firm and difficult to depress while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
April 2023 - While driving at ~ 35mph multiple warning light on the dashboard came on, (including traction control, AWD needs service, drive mode unavailable, emergency brake and several others) the speedometer stopped working (both the digital and analog) and a sluggish sensation was immediate (like the brakes were applied rapidly.) The car was stopped and further investigation showed that the rear brake lights were on, seemingly indicating that the brakes were engaged while the car was in park, with no one in the vehicle. The car would not shut off. The car was taken to the dealership where over 30 codes were reported. 2 sensors were replaced (one brake sensor and the traction sensor) and the dealership reported that multiple updates were performed in the 2 weeks that they had the car. …
1 year after purchase the car started having electrical issues, hard gear shifting, turns off or fails to start on first try, car has been serviced at South Miami FIAT since the issues started. The dealer could not identify the issues and told me that they would leave a warranty order open in the event that the warranty expired and the issue was not addressed. The dealer is basically not assisting. I have recently taken my car in for the oil consumption test; at first it failed to later be told that it's working just fine. Problems do no fix themselves and I feel that the dealer is not being totally honest with the situation. I am aware that the consumer is on the losing end of this story, but I will say that I along with many others have had a less than desirable experience with FIAT vehicles. Can someone please respond regarding these issues. …
The radio frequency hub has failed or shorted out from possibly water leaking into vehicle. This has caused the car to randomly stop while driving and other times to not start. The car completely stops locking the cars braking system and not allowing the doors to open. The car that has stopped working while Driving and has been stuck locations unable to start. Diagnostics said the car was fine until it has completely shorted out which has made the car unusable and no diagnostics can be run. When the car was brought into the last dealership they were familiar with this problem due to several other vehicles with the same problem being brought in. The mechanics states that this is a problem from water leaking into a part on the trunk hatch that is supposed to be sealed. …
My low pressure oil light continues to pop on and off. My pressure is reading very low numbers and not the required number needed for the oil to reach the top of the pump. The dealership replaced the censor on the car and it continues to pop up. This issue has been confirmed by the dealership advisor that it can be internal with my motor and continues to say it is not covered under the motor recall that was previously done in 2021 on my car. I have spoken with Mopar representative and they have stated that I have a 2 year warranty and that my current issue falls under the guidelines for motor recall. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer. My oil has been changed and it is full. …
While driving, the vehicle will randomly shift to Neutral with a message appearing about shifting gears. When this happens I cannot accelerate or brake, and cannot shift gears. The only way to get the car to operate properly again is to turn the engine off and back on. Suddenly losing the ability to drive the car while on the road like this is definitely a safety risk, to me and other drivers. This has happened on three separate occasions for me. I took it to a dealership that was unable to diagnose it as they could not replicate the issue themselves during a test drive. It appears to be the same issue that is described in recall S55. However, even though my car is listed in the recall, I was told my specific VIN is not included. The dealership says there is nothing they can do.
2016 Fiat 500X started but would not turn off. I've had to get it towed out of work, my batter has died from it being on all night and a day as well. Ive had to get my coworkers to help me out and take my home after it died. The only signal I got prior was a keyless entry. I changed the batter on my key and nothing worked! I would not drive my car far in fear that it would do this far from my job or home! Dealer says that the RF Module is bad due to water leaking into the car. Dealer says that the RF module and another module needs replaced and possibly the two key FOBS will have to be replaced if the current keys do not sync up with the new RF module. I even had my battery replaced that day I went to the dealer. Thought that would help and it did for a bit.
Electrical complaints in other 500X years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Fiat 500X?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Fiat 500X, 31% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Fiat 500X electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2016 Fiat 500X, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Fiat 500X electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.