Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 FIAT 500 powertrain problems
severe 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 FIAT 500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of FIAT 500 we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗(Rev. A) Power Inverter Load Ratings
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 ↗Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set:P1D7F-00 - ETC Self-Learning Failure. P0000-00 - Will be displayed but should really be displaying P0326-00 (Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Performance).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
After a sudden stop (no impact), the car would no longer go into or come out of gear while running. When the car is not running it will still shift normally. The repair shop initially thought it was the slave cylinder but the problem persisted. They then changed the clutch and are now recommending replacing the inner CV axle boot. The problem described is similar in symptons to the existing…
Car stopped and quickly slowed down without warning. I had very little time to steer car to the side of the road. The rbs/ABS system started slowing the car on its own. I had only been going 30 MPH, however had I been in a center lane on a freeway at 60 MPH, I would have not been able to get it off the road.
Car has moved out of "park" 4 times and the last time rolled down my drive way and hit another car. I want to have this vehicle returned and get another car. We took this vehicle into the dealer about 4 months ago for electronic gauge and system problems. They said there was nothing wrong with it. I don't believe them anymore.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 FIAT 500?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 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 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 18,750 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/2017/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.