Fiat

500L (L)

2014-2020 · Compact Sedan ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.1)
208 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
5 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

330A1047

1.4L 4-cyl Turbo / 165 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
197 complaints 49.2 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
127
electrical
35
engine
31
other
16
safety systems
13

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (127 complaints)
Typical onset: 51,299โ€“105,249 mi Est. repair: $1,611โ€“$6,000 (15 reports)
Electrical System Issues (35 complaints)
Engine Issues (31 complaints)

Same engine used in

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Fiat 500L regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (127 complaints)
transmission serious
Electrical System Issues (35 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (31 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (13 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Steering Issues (11 complaints)
steering critical

Recalls (4)

17V192000Mar 20, 2017serious
Powertrain

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.

15V590000Sep 22, 2015serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 23, 2015, to May 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a passenger frontal air bag that was not folded properly during the assembly process. As a result, the air bag may not deploy as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

14V481000Jun 7, 2014serious
Air Bags

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

14V103000Apr 2, 2014serious
Powertrain

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.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2014-2020 Fiat 500L problems?

The 2014-2020 Fiat 500L has accumulated 208 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Fiat 500L engine is most reliable?

The 2014-2020 Fiat 500L was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2014-2020 Fiat 500L a good used car?

The 2014-2020 Fiat 500L can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 208 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2020 Fiat 500L have?

The 2014-2020 Fiat 500L has 208 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2014-2020 Fiat 500L?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2014-2020 Fiat 500L vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Fiat 500L?

Before buying a used Fiat 500L, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 500L?

The 2020 Fiat 500L received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: N/A stars. Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 208 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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