Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 FIAT 500 powertrain problems
severe 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 7 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 FIAT 500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗1.4L FIRE Service Engine (Normally Aspirated) This engine in this kit will contain one of 8 different production full dress engines, but labeled as component engine 68275870AA or 71AA. The received engine will be configured for use with an automatic transmission, (includes auto transmission adapter plate / flexplate) or manual transmission. (includes flywheel / clutch asm) The received engine will be configured with or without a block heater. If required, dealer to purchase/install the block heater. The included instruction sheet K6855863AB in engine kit 68275870AA is to be followed for all applications that it applies. Please see the sheet for details. In addition to the items detailed in i
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗9-spd Transmission: FOR NAFTA Market Only: If you are ordering this transmission please follow all wiTECH pop ups and Warranty Payment Guidelines. If this vehicle contains 1 of the 30 Diagnostic Codes in the 9 Speed Tutorial located on the Service Home Page then please follow the repair steps and submit a Topology report as well as a Vehicle Scan Report with the Warranty Claim.~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗9-spd Transmission: FOR NAFTA Market Only: If you are ordering this transmission please follow all wiTECH pop ups and Warranty Payment Guidelines. If this vehicle contains 1 of the 30 Diagnostic Codes in the 9 Speed Tutorial located on the Service Home Page then please follow the repair steps and submit a Topology report as well as a Vehicle Scan Report with the Warranty Claim.~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. While driving 45 MPH, the manual clutch failed and prevented the contact from changing gears. As a result, the contact drove into a cement barrier to avoid traffic. The driver and passenger frontal air bags failed to deploy, causing the contact's head to strike the steering wheel. The contact injured her neck, left shoulder, and left foot. The contact was…
The car stopped working in the middle of the highway, started to give error messages and turned on engine service, transmission and parking brakes lights. A few seconds after we just got the message: drive mode unavailable and the car stopped. It was really dangerous and my family and I were in a terrible risk of have a pretty bad accident. We are really lucky that nothing happened to us, we…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. While operating the vehicle, the transmission jerked and shifted roughly. Occasionally, the vehicle would shift out of gear and fail to immediately accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (nyle maxwell Fiat, 13049 research blvd, austin, tx) where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. Computer updates were performed to the power train…
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact restarted the vehicle and forcefully shifted the transmission into 2nd gear to prevent losing motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not…
Car switches into neutral unexpectedly creating a dangerous inoperable vehicle scenario where the car will not move for several seconds. This has happened to me several times on the open road and almost caused me to get hit from behind. This is a regular occurrence which I have to predictively allow for by anticipating this may happen.
Passenger side drive axle failed on 2016 500e with only 35650 miles but no longer under warranty. Method of failure: Bolts holding axle to transmission sheered resulting in a loss of power. Car was brought to Orange County Chrysler for repair. Dealer informed me that there was a Chrysler Recall N51 for 2013 Fiat 500e for the same problem, but it didn't apply to my year. Numerous blogs on…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the wire harness and power train control module needed to be repaired. The contact scheduled an appointment with acadiana Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat (1700 sw evangeline thruway, lafayette,…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 FIAT 500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 FIAT 500?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 40,088 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/FIAT/500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.