Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2017 Fiat 500 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 5
Against the median year of the Fiat 500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2017 Fiat 500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
421.1%
Median failure at 16,008 miles
Body & Structure
315.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 20,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
315.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,750 mi
Other & Unspecified
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 27,000 mi
Brakes
210.5%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.3%
Median failure at 22,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
15.3%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Steering
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 27,000 mi
Airbags
15.3%
Engine & Cooling
15.3%
Median failure at 1,700 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
18.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
325.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
216.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
650.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2017peak 3Feb 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 Fiat 500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2017 Fiat 500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024548314,717 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 27,000 milesSanta ANA, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11283047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesSanta ANA, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11283047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesSanta ANA, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11283047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,500 milesLancaster, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
CAR HAS MOVED OUT OF "PARK" 4 TIMES AND THE LAST TIME ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVE WAY AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. I WANT TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RETURNED AND GET ANOTHER CAR. WE TOOK THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO FOR ELECTRONIC GAUGE AND SYSTEM PROBLEMS. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I DON'T BELIEVE THEM ANYMORE.
NHTSA complaint #11102295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oceanside, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Just before coming to a stop the brakes grab and jerk the car. The brakes work normally otherwise.
NHTSA complaint #11572652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side door handles fractured and detached from the inner side of the handle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that water had entered the door handles. The door handles were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11562997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
POWER TRAIN
After a sudden stop (no impact), the car would no longer go into or come out of gear while running. When the car is not running it will still shift normally. The repair shop initially thought it was the slave cylinder but the problem persisted. They then changed the clutch and are now recommending replacing the inner CV axle boot. The problem described is similar in symptons to the existing recall on 2012-2016 Fiat 500s and the partial recall on 2017 Fiat 500s. It seems logical that all of these issues are somehow related to a flaw in the design or manufacturing.
NHTSA complaint #11562042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trappe, MD
AIR BAGS
THE LIGHT THAT INFORMS OF AN AIR BAG PROBLEM GOES ON. THE DEALER SHIP REPAIRS AND A WEEK LATER THE LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. BACK TO DEALERSHIP,FIXES PROBLEM? LIGHT GOES ON IN A DAY. THIS THURSDAY 8/11/22 WILL BE THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE AIR BAG ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11478045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand Oaks, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The PCM system does not work at all and brakes seem off—either they stop too hard or drag when pressing in them
NHTSA complaint #11474371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand Oaks, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The PCM system does not work at all and brakes seem off—either they stop too hard or drag when pressing in them
NHTSA complaint #11474371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand Oaks, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The PCM system does not work at all and brakes seem off—either they stop too hard or drag when pressing in them
NHTSA complaint #11474371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2017 Silver FIAT 500 pop has a defective miles odometer that flashes. The car was purchased from Tobin Fiat of Las Vegas on 8/21/2017. I test drove this car to my home for 3 days before buying it. On day 2 it starting flashing. I returned to the dealer, reported it and was told it would be repaired. I have over 40 Videos on my cel phone that prove its defective over a 4 year period. Most resent issues on, 10/30/21, 11/1/21, 11/10/21. All 3 parties have refused to fix, repair or replace what causes the flashing miles indicator in my car. They said it doesn't exist so there is nothing to fix. The car was sent to the Fiat dealership in Henderson for a few days and they said it didn't flash while there so Fiat, Chrysler and Tobin Fiat of Las Vegas saw it as a none issue or as a customer complaint about nothing.
NHTSA complaint #11440073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesParkland, WA
POWER TRAIN
CAR STOPPED AND QUICKLY SLOWED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD VERY LITTLE TIME TO STEER CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE RBS/ABS SYSTEM STARTED SLOWING THE CAR ON ITS OWN. I HAD ONLY BEEN GOING 30 MPH, HOWEVER HAD I BEEN IN A CENTER LANE ON A FREEWAY AT 60 MPH, I WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11375410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesParkland, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR STOPPED AND QUICKLY SLOWED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD VERY LITTLE TIME TO STEER CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE RBS/ABS SYSTEM STARTED SLOWING THE CAR ON ITS OWN. I HAD ONLY BEEN GOING 30 MPH, HOWEVER HAD I BEEN IN A CENTER LANE ON A FREEWAY AT 60 MPH, I WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11375410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesParkland, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR STOPPED AND QUICKLY SLOWED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD VERY LITTLE TIME TO STEER CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE RBS/ABS SYSTEM STARTED SLOWING THE CAR ON ITS OWN. I HAD ONLY BEEN GOING 30 MPH, HOWEVER HAD I BEEN IN A CENTER LANE ON A FREEWAY AT 60 MPH, I WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11375410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE MILES INDICATOR FLASHES. PURCHASED 8/21/17 AND STILL FLASHES. DEALERSHIP: TOBIN FIAT 2550 S. JONES BLVD. LAS VEGAS, NV89146
NHTSA complaint #11352416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW INADVERTENTLY FELL INSIDE OF THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIAT OF SCOTTSDALE LOCATED AT 16301 N. 78TH ST, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11342367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesSanta ANA, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11283047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesSanta ANA, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11283047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesSanta ANA, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11283047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,500 milesLancaster, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
CAR HAS MOVED OUT OF "PARK" 4 TIMES AND THE LAST TIME ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVE WAY AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. I WANT TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RETURNED AND GET ANOTHER CAR. WE TOOK THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO FOR ELECTRONIC GAUGE AND SYSTEM PROBLEMS. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I DON'T BELIEVE THEM ANYMORE.
NHTSA complaint #11102295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesGarnet Valley, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR JUST 5 MONTHS, I WAS PUSHING IN MY PASSENGER SIDE VIEW MIRROR AND IT POPPED OFF. I WENT BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEALER, TAKING IN A COUPLE OF TIMES TO TAKE PICTURES. AFTER 2 MONTHS, FIAT HAS COME BACK TO SAY THAT THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11033845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,700 milesDetroit, MI
ENGINE
USING A LARGE AND RELATIVELY HEAVY KEY RING AND INADVERTENTLY HITTING IT WHILE ADJUSTING THE RADIO CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ON THREE OCCASIONS. REMOVING THE KEY RING AND USING THE KEY WITHOUT A RING SOLVED THE PROBLEM. AFTER REMOVING THE KEY RING THERE WERE NO MORE INCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11032227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.