59 of the
319 complaints filed about the Fiat 500X
are about the electrical system —
18% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
3 times my car had died going under 30 mph, it must turns off or goes into this neutral position and won’t let me change gears, when i restart it, the engine makes an awful squealing sound. all these “drive mode unavailable “ “check esc system” “service electronic brake” it seems it is related to the S55 / 16V529000 safety defect …. “intermittent switch to neutral while driving”
NHTSA complaint #11744651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle using the Push-to-Start button, the engine failed to crank or start. The vehicle was started after the fifteenth attempt. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal was extremely firm and difficult to depress while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving vehicle and it all of a sudden get stuck in gear in either park gear or some other gear that wont allow me to turn engine off. Sometimes it just slow down to a stop and will not go into gear again for a while or appears the gears are not engaging putting me at risk for accident on highway. Once it slowed down in traffic and I nearly got hit trying to drive it off the highway. The gears were not engaging putting me at risk of many vehicles hitting me. I was praying someone noticed I had car trouble to slow down as I was no longer in full control of vehicle. After some
NHTSA complaint #11737019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train), for the transmission for the same year, make, and model. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #11710295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to you in regard to my 2016 FIAT 500X about multiple concerns. 1. There has been an open recall on the Emissions system since 2022. I immediately followed up and was put on a waitlist as I was told that the parts were on back order. I was told I was 27 on the waitlist. I followed up every 3-6 months for an update on getting the recall repaired but was told they have no update on the parts. It is now 2025 and my registration and inspection are expired. I was informed by FIAT service mechanic that the open recall should not impact my inspection. Upon bringing it in for inspection, I needed to get the thermostat replaced, which was one of the first recalls that was rectified upon purchasing the car in 2017. My car failed inspection. I followed up with FIAT corporate and was assigned a case manager who followed up as well unable to rectify the situation. Now my car is unsafe to drive, I have gotten a ticket for expired inspection . I told the officer that there is an open recall and that I am at the mercy of FIAT. Secondly since I purchased the car I have brought it back multiple times, expressing concern that the car lags when you press the gas. If I am merging on the the highway and I am going 30mph the RPM will struggle to go over 3 in order for the car to accelerate and then it falls to 1-2 RPM. Attached are numerous photos of my constant communication of presenting issues. The entire electrical system will turn on and off on its own. Error I have gotten speeding tickets always when trying to switch lanes or am preparing for the exist because I have to compensate for the lag otherwise I will get smashed by another car. When driving 25-40 mph the engine will make a humming sound as if it is stuck in a gear. So my options are 50+ or 25 or less. Living in NY this is very difficult. I have even advocated that I believe my car is apart of the 2016 transmission recall on my particular make and model. My car is unsafe to drive and I need some guidance
NHTSA complaint #11677336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - I first diagnosed what was going on through with my car through other online forums of people experiencing the same problems. I took my vehicle to my mechanic where he ordered a new RFHM Module and had a mobile locksmith acquire a new key. The locksmith was able to program one old key and one new key with the new module and the car was good to go again. Now, six months later, the same issue is happening with the same piece of equipment. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - I have not pursued this yet but will be in touch with the manufacturer tomorrow. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There is no way to know when the car will work or when it won't after it rains or after a car wash. The symptoms come on suddenly and take time to dry out to be useable again.
NHTSA complaint #11664976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Radio unit failed due to internal short which prevents the blind spot alert, parking sensors and backup camera to no longer function. Fiat no longer manufacturers the replacement part (P/N: 6RV00LXHAA) and states vehicle is not repairable. Car is less than 10 years old and has 25k miles but can no longer be safely operated due to the failed safety systems. Other than this issue car is essentially like new and could provide another decade of use but instead must be added to the overflowing landfills creating yet more pollution. Vehicle manufacturers should be held accountable for such egregious behavior.
NHTSA complaint #11656809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11634312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11630317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on the highway approximately 55 MPH and the vehicle went automatically went into neutral thankfully I was able to pull off to the shoulder. I put it in park and shut the vehicle off and turned it back on again, when I shifted into drive it felt like somebody just picked up the car and dropped it. This has been an ongoing issue. Dealerships don’t know what it is. I’ve done research on this specific vehicle from other owners and they have been experiencing the same thing with this make and model of vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11616211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11595749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The day after we had a bad storm, my car's electrical system went haywire. I was driving to work and all kinds of warning lights started flashing. Then when I came to a stop sign, stopped, then proceed to go again the car car would not go. I was still in drive but the car would not go when I pressed the pedal. So I put the car in park then back in drive and it started driving again. Then a warning came on about my power steering. I get further down the road to a stop light. I stopped and when the light turned green it would not go again while it drive. So I put it in park and back in drive and it went.i get to a stop sign about 1 mile down the road and my steering wheel locked up. So I put the car in park and back in drive and it started turning a little bit so I was able to pull off the road into an abandoned parking lot. I tried to turn the car off and it would not turn off. So I unhooked the battery cable and it cut off. I had the car towed to my house. They hooked the cables back up yo get the car onto the tow truck. Once the car was home, the wheel was fine but it had some warning messages on the dashboard. So the next day it rained again. And I went outside later that evening and my tail lights and the dashboard was illuminated. My air conditioner was running but the car was not crank. So I finally got it to the shop and they are saying water got into the RHA hub; but how? I don't have a leak in my car. I've never seen water in my car and on top of that, why is my RHA hub in the trunk? Anyway, after that I looked it up and come to find out a lot of people with Fiats have been having the same problem. And they are just as upset and lost as I am.
NHTSA complaint #11589850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
February 2023 the Fiat breaks and transmission locked up and all of the lights on the dashboard started flashing in the middle of the road. filed claim with geico. turned out to be a leak somewhere in the body frame of the car which leaked water into the RF module of the car causing water damage inside the RF module causing the car transmission to lock up emergency brake lockup and all lights flashing and horn beeping uncontrollably. Geico paid Fiat dealership to replace RF module but not the leak. again in September 2023 this happened in the middle of busy [XXX]. the car completely locked up and screeched to a halt on the interstate nearly causing a crash. The car was taken back to the same dealership. they determined the RF module had water damage again caused by a leak. Geico refused to pay anything for repairs this time. after speaking with Fiat customer service representative, Fiat agreed to pay for diagnosis of leak, location and repair of leak and replacement of RF module. [XXX] the dealership said they found the leak. The leak was located somewhere on the back portion of the car. there was a crack on both sides of the back portion of the car. [XXX] the dealership cannot find the leak. The dealership wants to give the car back. we are terrified to drive the car because it could lock up at any moment again for a third time. after research, we discovered this leak into the RF module has happened many times in the Fiats around the world including UK. this car was purchased brand new by my [XXX] who cannot afford to buy another car and is terrified to drive this car. after posting the malfunction on YouTube, we discovered other people are having the same issue with Fiat. it sounds like a manufacturer defect somewhere in the welding or weather stripping. we have no idea. the dealership took photos of crack, leak. location, attached INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11568631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2016 Fiat 500X started but would not turn off. I’ve had to get it towed out of work, my batter has died from it being on all night and a day as well. Ive had to get my coworkers to help me out and take my home after it died. The only signal I got prior was a keyless entry. I changed the batter on my key and nothing worked! I would not drive my car far in fear that it would do this far from my job or home! Dealer says that the RF Module is bad due to water leaking into the car. Dealer says that the RF module and another module needs replaced and possibly the two key FOBS will have to be replaced if the current keys do not sync up with the new RF module. I even had my battery replaced that day I went to the dealer. Thought that would help and it did for a bit.
NHTSA complaint #11547222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
April 2023 - While driving at ~ 35mph multiple warning light on the dashboard came on, (including traction control, AWD needs service, drive mode unavailable, emergency brake and several others) the speedometer stopped working (both the digital and analog) and a sluggish sensation was immediate (like the brakes were applied rapidly.) The car was stopped and further investigation showed that the rear brake lights were on, seemingly indicating that the brakes were engaged while the car was in park, with no one in the vehicle. The car would not shut off. The car was taken to the dealership where over 30 codes were reported. 2 sensors were replaced (one brake sensor and the traction sensor) and the dealership reported that multiple updates were performed in the 2 weeks that they had the car. Five weeks after getting the car back from the dealership the SAME condition occurred on the highway at 55mph, in a construction zone with no ability to pull off. After reaching an area where it was safe to pull off, a restart of the car (by disconnecting the battery) had all of the lights going off and the brakes functioning normally. The car was driven straight to the dealership where the issues happened again. The car now has 43 codes. They replaced the HCU/ABS module, which did not fix the issue. The car has been in the service department for 3 weeks without discovering the cause of the lights, lack of speedometer and deceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11531563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the vehicle would not start, and the vehicle had to be jumped. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, immediately after retrieving the vehicle, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11508371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11504009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My low pressure oil light continues to pop on and off. My pressure is reading very low numbers and not the required number needed for the oil to reach the top of the pump. The dealership replaced the censor on the car and it continues to pop up. This issue has been confirmed by the dealership advisor that it can be internal with my motor and continues to say it is not covered under the motor recall that was previously done in 2021 on my car. I have spoken with Mopar representative and they have stated that I have a 2 year warranty and that my current issue falls under the guidelines for motor recall. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer. My oil has been changed and it is full. This is a safety concern because if I am driving my car and something happens to the motor or if the motor locks up while driving, I will severely be injured after i have explained to the dealership my concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11501259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The radio frequency hub has failed or shorted out from possibly water leaking into vehicle. This has caused the car to randomly stop while driving and other times to not start. The car completely stops locking the cars braking system and not allowing the doors to open. The car that has stopped working while Driving and has been stuck locations unable to start. Diagnostics said the car was fine until it has completely shorted out which has made the car unusable and no diagnostics can be run. When the car was brought into the last dealership they were familiar with this problem due to several other vehicles with the same problem being brought in. The mechanics states that this is a problem from water leaking into a part on the trunk hatch that is supposed to be sealed. There have been several cars repaired at the dealer and currently other cars currently waiting for a back ordered part to try to remedy this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11439074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. I know that the past 2 years have been strenuous on all, but this is my last effort to find a solution to this matter. I have reviewed many other owners with almost identical issues with their cars. Thank you for your attention
NHTSA complaint #11430379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.