2015 Fiat 500: common problems and reliability

The 2015 Fiat 500 has 283 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag automatic transmission failures: complete failure requiring replacement, harsh/jerky shifting when cold, inability to shift out of first gear, expensive repairs ($4,500+). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2015 model year

283
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
13
Crash reports
9
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2015 Fiat 500 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2015 a good year for the 500?

Across the 6 500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2011) to 341 (2013). With 283 complaints, the 2015 500 sits abovethe model's median of 20.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
93
electrical system
86
engine
38
fuel/propulsion system
22
exterior lighting
15

Recalls affecting the 2015 500

power train:manual transmission:floor shift assembly

Campaign 19E044000

DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 15V291000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015. The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) of the affected vehicles may set a

power train:manual transmission

Campaign 16V302000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fa

tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Campaign 24V474000

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on vehicle age, mileage, and powertrain. The vehicle is consistently praised for its compact size, ease of parking, stylish design, and practicality as a second urban runabout.

  • Automatic transmission failures: Complete failure requiring replacement, harsh/jerky shifting when cold, inability to shift out of first gear, expensive repairs ($4,500+). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical system gremlins: Intermittent no-crank/no-start conditions, faulty clutch switch relays, blown fuses (F11), malfunctioning instrument clusters, trunk latches failing, headlights not turning off due to faulty Body Control Modules (BCM). Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the 500. See the full 500 owner picture and every model year.

Other 500 model years

Compare every 500 year side by side to see how 2015 ranks against the rest.

Compare the 500 against its rivals