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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-FIAT-500X NHTSA data synced 1 hour ago
2016 · FIAT

FIAT 500X problems

153 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 500X?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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 2016 FIAT 500X? 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

⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 37,255 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 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 the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2016 FIAT 500X

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.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
47 reports · fails ~53,516 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
32 reports · fails ~37,255 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
20 reports · fails ~39,027 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
8 reports · fails ~55,717 mi · avg $700
moderate
body
6 reports · fails ~47,000 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
airbags
3 reports · fails ~96,000 mi · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
3 reports · avg $600
moderate
lighting
3 reports · fails ~78,654 mi · avg $250
moderate

Your road ahead on this 2016 FIAT 500X

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~32,000 miengine~$3,100
  2. ~33,231 mielectrical~$850
  3. ~39,000 mipowertrain~$2,500

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 500X's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 500X?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 500X · powertrain
Vehicle goes into "limp mode" anytime wheels slip, untill computer clears no throttle or motion, vehicle is inoperable for over 5+ seconds and then accelerated at whatever position throttle is at. Dealer and mechanics say all new fiats 2 and 4wheel drive all have this issue and…
12/28/2016 · at 14,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10938379.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2016 500X · powertrain
I slightly overshot a stop sign at the bottom of a steep hill. I saw that a car with the right of way was rapidly approach the intersection so I put the car in reverse with the intent to back up the car a couple of feet. I put the car in reverse and took my foot off the brake…
12/27/2017 · at 32,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11056746.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2016 500X · engine
My car has 6641 miles on it. It is not driving correctly my car saids no drive mode available . The car is hesitating when in drive.
12/26/2017 · at 6,641 mi · NHTSA ODI #11056566.0 · see engine pattern →
2016 500X · engine
Vehicle shifts roughly when in motion, when starting out and also while driving. Sometimes it does it when I start to slow down and then speed back up. I have notified the service department and they say they can't find a problem.
View all 153 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 FIAT 500X? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 16V529000 July 12, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions

If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.

Common questions

Is the 2016 Fiat 500X reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Fiat 500X 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 2016 Fiat 500X?

The 2016 FIAT 500X is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–49,000 mi; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. 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 2016 Fiat 500X?

Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 47 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,516 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 2016 Fiat 500X a good used car to buy?

It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 153 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 53,516 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 2016 Fiat 500X?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 47 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,516 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 53,516 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Fiat 500X 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 2016 Fiat 500X?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 153 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 hour ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/FIAT/500X. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with FIAT. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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