2018 Fiat 500L: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Fiat 500L has 5 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and wheels. Owners most often flag 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.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

5
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Fiat 500L vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2018 a good year for the 500L?

Across the 5 500L model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2018) to 394 (2012). With 5 complaints, the 2018 500L sits belowthe model's median of 164.

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

visibility
1
wheels
1
service brakes
1
seats
1

Recalls affecting the 2018 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.

  • 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.

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

Other 500L model years

Compare every 500L year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

Compare the 500L against its rivals