The 2017 Fiat 500L has 14 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and structure. Owners most often flag transmission failures (ddct) — fluid leaks, complete failure requiring replacement, described as a "piece of shit." concerns specifically cited for the 2014 model year. frequency: very frequent.
Safety record for the 2017 model year
14
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Fiat 500L vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
electrical system
4
structure
3
power train
3
service brakes
2
vehicle speed control
1
Recalls affecting the 2017 500L
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 …
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
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 d
Transmission failures (DDCT) — fluid leaks, complete failure requiring replacement, described as a "piece of shit." Concerns specifically cited for the 2014 model year. Frequency: very frequent.
Severe 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. Frequency: very frequent.
Pervasive 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. Frequency: very frequent.
Engine 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. Frequency: recurrent.
Miscellaneous 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. Frequency: recurrent.