MotorDeets

FIAT 500L problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every 500L from 2014 to 2017: 209 owner complaints and 5 recalls across 4 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (183), 2015 (23), 2016 (2). Best fuel economy: 28 mpg combined (2016).

FIAT 500L
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain130
Engine32
Electrical29
Speed control / throttle22
Other / unknown22
Brakes11
Steering11
Airbags11

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2014318328
201522328
20160228
20170125

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the FIAT 500L.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the FIAT 500L?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (183), 2015 (23), 2016 (2).

How many recalls has the FIAT 500L had?

Across 2014–2017, NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).