Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
Fuel, maker's test (9.4 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by reports of persistent mechanical and electrical failures, poor reliability, and severe parts availability issues.
6 problems reported (3 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTransmission failures (DDCT)
Fluid leaks, complete failure requiring replacement, described as a "piece of shit." Concerns specifically cited for the 2014 model year.
- Very frequentSevere parts availability problems
Parts on indefinite backorder (e.g., lower intercooler hose), leading to repair delays of 6+ months. Specific mention that Stellantis/Fiat no longer supports the model in North America, making parts nearly impossible to find.
- Very frequentPervasive electrical issues
Check engine lights for various sensors (ambient air temperature, knock sensor, evap leaks), faulty Body Control Modules (BCM) requiring solder repairs, complete electrical failure requiring battery replacement, blown fuses, malfunctioning infotainment and Bluetooth.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEngine and turbo problems
1.6L Multijet Turbo Diesel engine cited for DPF issues, MultiAir system failures, weak starter motors, and turbo failures. Gasoline 1.4L turbo also mentioned in swap contexts.
- RecurrentMiscellaneous build quality and component failures
Sun visors that detach and are expensive to replace, rear seats that do not lock properly when folded, headliner sag, window mechanism failures, plastic trim that breaks easily and is overpriced, air conditioning compressor clutch failures, and problematic ambient temperature sensors causing erroneous warnings.
- IsolatedClutch failure (manual models)
Complete clutch failure noted, with difficulty sourcing parts like flywheels.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. One isolated comment suggests the manual transmission is "more reliable than automatic," specifically citing the Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) as problematic. No specific model year or trim level is consistently recommended as superior.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford C-Max, Honda Fit, Mini Cooper, Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda.
Is the 500L right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by reports of persistent mechanical and electrical failures, poor reliability, and severe parts availability issues. A very small number of owners express satisfaction with the vehicle's practicality, fun driving character, and interior space, but these are isolated positive comments against a backdrop of widespread criticism. The vehicle is frequently described as a "Fix It Again Tony" due to recurring problems. Major concerns center on transmission failures (particularly the Dual Dry Clutch Transmission - DDCT), pervasive electrical gremlins, and the extreme difficulty in sourcing replacement parts, leading to repair delays of months. The consensus indicates deep regret among most buyers, with many actively seeking to dispose of their vehicles.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a quirky, space-efficient small MPV/hatchback. In owner discussions, it is unfavorably compared to mainstream competitors like the Ford C-Max and Honda Fit, which are cited as more reliable and ergonomic alternatives. It is also compared to the smaller Fiat 500, with some owners noting the 500L lacks the charm and perceived reliability of its smaller sibling. The shared platform with the Jeep Renegade is mentioned, with the Renegade inheriting some of the same negative perceptions. It is generally viewed as a vehicle to be avoided in the used market due to high ownership costs and frustration.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is suggested over the automatic DDCT due to reliability concerns. No other configuration recommendations are provided in the data.
General recommendations
NOT recommended for purchase by the vast majority of owners. If considering, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Fiat/Stellantis vehicles is absolutely critical. Budget significantly for unexpected repairs and extended downtime. Verify parts availability for common failure items before purchase. Strongly consider an extended warranty, but be aware that even warranty repairs can be hampered by parts shortages. Owners advise being prepared to sell or trade the vehicle at the first sign of major trouble.
Remarks
The 2014 model year is specifically and repeatedly cited as particularly problematic, especially regarding the DDCT transmission. The vehicle's market withdrawal and lack of manufacturer support (particularly in North America) exacerbate every repair, turning minor issues into major, vehicle-stranding events. The platform is shared with the Jeep Renegade, and some criticisms of the 1.6L Multijet diesel engine are noted in discussions about that model as well. Positive owner experiences are rare and typically accompanied by acknowledgments of the model's poor reputation. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions spanning 2013-2018 model years.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
500L Living/2013–2018209 complaints · 5 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): power train (130) · engine (32) · electrical system (29)
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2013-2018 Fiat 500L is sharply divided and leans negative, with the most-upvoted comments calling it the worst product Fiat offers and warning buyers away entirely.
21 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 16 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentDual clutch automatic transmission jittery, clunky, slow shifting, and failing prematurely
- Very frequentExpensive parts and labor, with some parts difficult to source
- RecurrentDealership and service network problems, including closed dealers and poor diagnosis
+ 18 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentInterior rattles and electrical or computer faults
- RecurrentOil changes and routine maintenance described as difficult or time-consuming
- IsolatedWindshield glass delamination requiring replacement
- IsolatedMold smell from an improperly installed hose
- IsolatedKey fob programming problems
Including locksmith failure and need for BCM replacement when all keys are lost.
- IsolatedEngine reported as seized or frozen, with disputed diagnosis
- IsolatedOil sender unit failure requiring replacement of the whole unit
- IsolatedEngine mount wear causing shaking in neutral
- IsolatedRear tie rod failure
- IsolatedAmbient temperature sensor wiring too short, causing door and transmission-related faults
- IsolatedA/C compressor issues and repair disputes
- IsolatedBrake overheating and smoking
- IsolatedEngine misfires resolved by spark plug replacement
- IsolatedTire pressure sensor batteries dying
- IsolatedStarter failure causing no-crank no-start
- IsolatedAir vent frame vibration
- IsolatedPaint peeling around the top of the car
- IsolatedTiming belt replacement described as expensive
Is a 2013–2018 500L right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
500L2012–2020209 complaints · 5 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): power train (130) · engine (32) · electrical system (29)
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2012-2020 Fiat 500L is sharply divided and overall negative, with a vocal majority warning against the car and a smaller group of long-term owners reporting genuinely positive experiences.
19 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 14 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentDual-clutch automatic transmission jitteriness, premature failure, and expensive replacement
- RecurrentTransmission-related error codes and TCM/recall concerns
- RecurrentExpensive or hard-to-source parts and labor
+ 16 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectrical and computer glitches, including key fob and alarm problems
- RecurrentInterior rattles and build quality complaints
- IsolatedWindshield delamination
- IsolatedMold smell from improperly installed hose
- IsolatedEngine mount wear causing shaking in neutral
- IsolatedOil sender unit failure requiring costly replacement
- IsolatedAmbient temperature sensor wiring failure affecting door and transmission behavior
- IsolatedA/C compressor and A/C repair issues
- IsolatedBrake overheating and premature brake wear
- IsolatedStarter failure causing no-crank no-start
- IsolatedEngine misfires resolved by spark plug replacement
- IsolatedTire pressure sensor battery failure
- IsolatedPaint peeling
- IsolatedTiming belt replacement cost
- IsolatedDifficult oil changes
- IsolatedAir vent vibration
Is a 2012–2020 500L right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2014. Years to avoid: 2014Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Fiat 500L years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | vehicle speed control |
| 2016 | 2 | 0 | power train |
| 2015 | 23 | 2 | power train |
| 2014 | 183 | 3 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices5 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2015 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 15V590000
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."
2015 · air bags:knee bolstercampaign 14V481000
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."
2014 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 17V192000
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.
2014 · air bags:knee bolstercampaign 14V481000
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."
2014 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 14V103000
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.
Specifications
1.4 T-Jet LPG
1.4L 4-cylinder · 120 hp · FWD · manual
Built 2017–2018