Fiat 500X Electrical Problems

Owners have filed 59 complaints about electrical system problems with the Fiat 500X — 32% of all 500X complaints. The worst model years are 2016 (48), 2017 (5) and 2018 (5). Problems typically start around 38,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

59complaints
2016worst year
38ktypical miles
2related recalls
0crashes
2fires

Electrical complaints by model year

2016201720182019202048551
Electrical complaints per model year, Fiat 500X.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2020150%—
2018545%17,000 miles
2017533%26,000 miles
20164831%40,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • 12V/24V/48V battery
    1
  • Ignition
    1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1027%
  • 25k–50k
    1643%
  • 50k–75k
    616%
  • 75k–100k
    411%
  • 100k–150k
    13%
  • 150k+
    00%

What owners report

THE Transmission Valve Body Solenoid was diagnosed as not working. while i was driving on the highway without any indication the car just started slowing down . There was not a warning or anything, then the transmission service lights up, i had to have my car towed to a dealership however they informed me that there was never any service they were supposed to do on my transmission because of the type of vehicle i have. this part is expensive and not easily obtainable. car is still showing transmission issue.

2018 500X · May 2024

Car continuously throttled while driving on highway and road with no warnings. Vehicle electric components like radio and parking camera would shut off and not come back on without warning or while using camera. Car now gives warnings of vehicle temperature too high

2018 500X · Oct 2019

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The component that failed is the RFHM module in the rear driver side wheel well of the car. Due to water leaking into the car, the RFHM module is taking on water damage causing several electrical systems to fail including power steering, airbags, and starter. Both current RFHM and previously damaged RFHM module are available I believe. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - As the car takes on water, the module fills internally with water as well. When this happens, several components of the car begin to go haywire including security, power steering, airbags, and other electronic readers. When this happens going down the road, my car has and can potentially shut itself off which is very dangerous going down a highway. …

2017 500X · Jun 2025

The car stopped working suddenly in the miami turnpike, drive mode not available went on, also ABS, parking and engine lights went on. It was scary because stopped working without previous notice. We almost have an accident. It happens the same in 2015, same model in tampa highway.

2017 500X · 26,000 miles · Feb 2019

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. …

2016 500X · 144,000 miles · Dec 2025

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.

2016 500X · 73,000 miles · Nov 2024

Related recalls (2)

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 19V-287 · Apr 10, 2019 · 25,004 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X vehicles. Incorrect software may cause the occupant restraint controller (ORC) module to disable certain passive safety features.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC module software, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood

NHTSA recall 18V-524 · Aug 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Frequently asked questions

Which Fiat 500X years have electrical problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (48), 2017 (5) and 2018 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2016.

Is there a recall for Fiat 500X electrical problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 19V-287 (software, Apr 10, 2019); 18V-524 (front underhood, Aug 9, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Fiat 500X electrical problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles; 70% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (1 mentions), followed by the ignition (1).

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.