Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 upon making a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle vibrated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle experienced hard shifting from second to third gear. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that three motor mounts were fractured and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the spark plugs, and an unknown seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not under recall, and the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 79,300.
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 two separate occasions, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who referred her to the dealer. The dealer advised her to drive the vehicle for 2,000 miles to track the failure and the contact declined. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 75 MPH, the gear disengaged, and the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Since the car was purchased, the electrical system seems to have an issue that no dealership has been able to diagnose or fix. The forward collision warning system will intermittently turn itself off upon starting or even while driving. The car also frequently blows passenger side lights. More recently at about 67,000 miles, the check engine and transmission warning lights came on while highway driving 2.5 hrs away from home. The car has been in and out of the shop at least 3 times over the past month and a half to try and fix the issue but they have been unable to determine what is wrong with it. They said they found metal in the transmission and therefore replaced the torque converter and valve body. However, the issue persists. A burning smell can now be detected when driving. …
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. …
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.
My car spontaneously shifts from driving to neutral while I am actively driving it. This has happened at least a half dozen times so far. Each time this has happened I cannot get my car to continue driving, since it's shifted to neutral all by itself and stuck there. I have to come to a complete stop, put my car in park, turn the engine off, and then turn it back on again. This has happened for the last year and is happening more and more frequently. The latest incident was 4/1/2024. I talked to the Fiat dealership and they said it looks like my car should have been included in a Transmission issue recall that was assigned to 2016 Fiat 500X cars, but for some reason it wasn't assigned to my specific VIN.
I lease a 2016 fiat 500x in may of 2020. I received a letter saying there was a recall on my vehicle. Recently my car has completely stopped working. It was using up oil to fast. My car would stall out in the middle of the road. Or my car would not turn on completely. I kept up with maintenance ( oil changes etc. ) in June of 2022 my car started over heating. The day before I had just got my oil changed. I took it to the dealership. Which they told me I blew my head gasket. I don't believe that's is what happened. I believe something else had went wrong. Now they won't help me fix my car even when having FULL coverage warranty. and I've been without a car since then.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge.
Transmission complaints in other 500X years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Fiat 500X?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Fiat 500X, 32% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Fiat 500X transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-529 (automatic transmission, Jul 12, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Fiat 500X transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 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.