In the European service world, FIAT engine failures land on our lifts with regularity. 70 complaints across 7 year-model entries (2012–2017) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 1 crash report on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $3,100; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin FIAT / ENGINE
7 model-year entries · 2012–2017
FIAT engine problems
70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against FIAT vehicles for engine issues. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Year-models
7
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
Worst-affected FIAT model-years for engine Top 7 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2016 FIAT 500X
20 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 FIAT 500
18 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 FIAT 500
10 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 FIAT 500
8 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2014 FIAT 500L
7 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2017 FIAT 500X
4 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2017 FIAT 124 Spider
3 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Common questions
How many FIAT engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
70 complaints across 7 model-year entries from 2012 to 2017. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for FIAT.
Which FIAT model has the most engine complaints?
The 2016 FIAT 500X leads with 20 complaints in this category. Next: 2012 500 (18) and 2013 500 (10).
What does it cost to fix FIAT engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the FIAT lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there FIAT engine recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover engine issues on FIAT vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with FIAT.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.