FIAT 500 problems
124 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
- Powertrain: 65 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–35,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2014 FIAT 500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 65 owner reports · tends to show around 26,294 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- electrical — 16 owner reports · tends to show around 13,716 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 29,944 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- body — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 45,610 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 26,294 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2014 FIAT 500
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 7 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, there was an abnormal noise and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v103000 (power train); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was…
I was on a side street turning l onto a busy street. There was a long large white van blocking my view from turning. I was at a stop sign. As I started to move out I did look both ways first. There was a red auto over a block to my left & right an auto was way behind tracks. We…
Cold weather problem. 29 degf outside on occurrence. Shifter will not move from "park" position. This has cleared up before after letting vehicle warm up. It is still in this condition presently. I rocked vehicle forward and back, checked fuses, let it warm up to 39 deg f…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v302000 (structure: body) was received in june. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Fiat 500 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Fiat 500 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2014 Fiat 500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 FIAT 500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 65 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–35,000 mi; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2014 Fiat 500?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 65 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 26,294 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Fiat 500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 124 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 26,294 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Fiat 500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 65 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 26,294 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 26,294 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Fiat 500 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Fiat 500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 124 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.