2014 Fiat 500L Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Fiat 500L, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)12349.4%
- Engine3112.4%
- Driver assistance2811.2%
- Electrical249.6%
- Brakes93.6%
- Steering93.6%
- Fuel system62.4%
- Airbags62.4%
- Body & structure52.0%
- Suspension31.2%
- Exterior lighting20.8%
- Seat belts10.4%
- Other / unspecified10.4%
- Visibility10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Will not pass emissions due to sensors not going into "ready" state. We have taken it to 4 different mechanics and we were told that the abs module is not communicating. So we replaced it and still nothing. Now we are told that the PCM is not storing memory. There have been no lights illuminated on the dash this whole time, and no codes to determine the underlying electrical issue. With issues like these the car can stall, get stuck in gear, no Abs could cause a crash and not to mention once again will not pass emissions testing due to these issues. The issues have been confirmed by a mechanic at an independent service center. Again, no warming lights or codes, or pending codes for the issues listed above.
The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while the vehicle was coming to a stop at an intersection, the vehicle became inoperable while attempting to shift gears, with the message “Gears Unavailable” displayed. The contact attempted to shift gear several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and retrieved DTC: B1011, B1181, and U1736. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V103000 (Power Train), and that the shifter module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The transmission went out and radiator fluid temp high light came on. Fiat started to not be able to shift or too easily shifted by itself. The safety of others and myself were at risk because the car could have stopped or switched into other gears on the road and caused an accident.
CLUTCH STALLS VEHICLE VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, confirmed by inspection. Not inspected by police, no warning messages
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Issues with shifting out of park. Random acceleration, stalling, lagging, & jerking while on the road & in full speed traffic. When took car to dealership was told issues with my PCM. PCM had been recalled & fixed with previous owner in 2017. Now the second time having a PCM issue, couldn't do anything with the already fixed recall so i was forced to pay almost 2,000. Now still leaving me with the same issues. Cruise control accelerates on its own, almost causing accident with other cars on highway. Will be going 60 in traffic & it will randomly start to decrease in speed while foot is fully on gas. Possible throttle body issue, RMPS rev up to red while only going 35mph.
CAR INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTS OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL WHEN faced with an uphill grade forcing car backwards. We have had over 5 nrear accidents involving rolling off hillsides ar onto property or into traffic behind. Car will not engage we have been desperately against a steep hill many times. Also front ABS brakes intermittently grab 1 wheel forcing car sideways at 40 mph. Also car emits rattle sound coming from lower gearbox or engine area noticeable through cab, both before and after a complete $4300 transmission rebuild. Service completed by FIAT and Alfa Romeo od Van Nuys California. This car is going to kill us. Fiat is dragging their feet. I will list the first incident below at March 18, 2023 but then many more occurred after, even after trans rebuild. This design is life-threatening. Who rebuilds a trans at under 50,000 miles??
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Will not pass emissions due to sensors not going into "ready" state. We have taken it to 4 different mechanics and we were told that the abs module is not communicating. So we replaced it and still nothing. Now we are told that the PCM is not storing memory. There have been no lights illuminated on the dash this whole time, and no codes to determine the underlying electrical issue. With issues like these the car can stall, get stuck in gear, no Abs could cause a crash and not to mention once again will not pass emissions testing due to these issues. The issues have been confirmed by a mechanic at an independent service center. Again, no warming lights or codes, or pending codes for the issues listed above.
I was driving my car down a busy road when I approached a red light and slowed to a stop. I kept my foot on the brake and the car in drive until the light turned green. Then, I tried to use the gas pedal without success and got an error message about needing to switch the gear to neutral. I was stuck in the road, unable to make the drive or neutral options work with the gas. Then, I tried switching my car into park and turning it off and back on again. It flashed on the "P" several times before I turned it off and refused to switch to the driving gear when I turned it back on. I had to put it in neutral and have strangers help push my vehicle off the road into a parking lot. The incident occurred on a busy street in the middle of a holiday weekend afternoon and caused tons of traffic and inconvenience and honking and stress.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Will not pass emissions due to sensors not going into "ready" state. We have taken it to 4 different mechanics and we were told that the abs module is not communicating. So we replaced it and still nothing. Now we are told that the PCM is not storing memory. There have been no lights illuminated on the dash this whole time, and no codes to determine the underlying electrical issue. With issues like these the car can stall, get stuck in gear, no Abs could cause a crash and not to mention once again will not pass emissions testing due to these issues. The issues have been confirmed by a mechanic at an independent service center. Again, no warming lights or codes, or pending codes for the issues listed above.
CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS 3/2/15 CAR STALLED MONTHS FOLLOWING PURCHASE OF THE CAR NEW TOLD IT WAS A ISSUE WITH THE COLD TEMPS AND BATTERY WAS NOT SWAPPED UPON ARRIVAL IN US. MONTHS LATER 11/17/15 THE CALL BEGAN TO STALL AGAIN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND TOLD A RECALL WAS ISSUED AND HE CAR NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND IT WILL CORRECT THE ISSUE. CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO STALL 12/17/15 AND BACK IN THE SHOP DID NOT IDENTIFY ISSUE UNTIL 12/26/15 AND TOLD THE ISSUE WAS CONTROL MODULE 9/9/17 CAR STARTED TO STALL AGAIN DID NOT IDENTIFY ISSUE. 10/26/17 STALLING AGAIN DID NOT IDENTIFY ISSUE BE BELIEVE DEALER HAD RECALL. DECEMBER 2018 CALL STALLING ISSUES OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY AND IN JANUARY CODE STATED CONTROL MODULE WAS FAILING AGAIN. 6/1/2018 COMPLAINED TO FIAT ABOUT INEXPERIENCED SERVICE TECHS. 11/2/18 CAR BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, ROTATION AND INSPECTION CHECKS. 12/7/18 CAR IS NOT DRIVING PROPERLY LEARNED TODAY ONE BRAKE PAD OF ALL INSTALLED WORN DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE OTHERS ARE AT 10. VERY CONCERN WITH ONLY 26K MILES ON CAR FIAT LACK OF RESPONSE TO CONSUMER TO RESOLVE THE CAR CONCERNS. SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THE TECH DECIDED THE TIRES DID NOT ROTATE TIRES WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKE INSPECTION TO BE OVERLOOKED. VERY CONCERN CONSUMERS PAY FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE FIAT DOES NOT PERFORM AND BRAKE ISSUE COULD HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND NOW 6 DAYS OUT OF WARRANTY. CONSUMER FOOT THE BILL.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTS OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL WHEN faced with an uphill grade forcing car backwards. We have had over 5 nrear accidents involving rolling off hillsides ar onto property or into traffic behind. Car will not engage we have been desperately against a steep hill many times. Also front ABS brakes intermittently grab 1 wheel forcing car sideways at 40 mph. Also car emits rattle sound coming from lower gearbox or engine area noticeable through cab, both before and after a complete $4300 transmission rebuild. Service completed by FIAT and Alfa Romeo od Van Nuys California. This car is going to kill us. Fiat is dragging their feet. I will list the first incident below at March 18, 2023 but then many more occurred after, even after trans rebuild. This design is life-threatening. Who rebuilds a trans at under 50,000 miles??
Steering sticks at center, smooth straight roads are the worst. 70 mph small steering corrections cause the slight swerving to keep it in its lane. The amount of force is increasing as the vehicle ages, currently at 47,390 miles in 05/15/2023. The steering problem was first reported in 2016 and it has never had a successful repair. Multiple dealers have said they can’t duplicate the problem.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
For the past several months my car will simply stop accelerating while I am driving down the road. I can put my foot on the gas, and it will not accelerate. The RPM's and speed go down and I must pull over to the side of the road quickly and turn the engine off, wait 5 minutes or so and try again. Sometimes I must wait longer before it will go back in gear and accelerate. It has been very unsafe when this happens on the interstate putting me, my passengers, and other cars/drivers at risk because it happens with no warning lights and not enough time to get over. This same problem happened before in 2017, and FIAT issued a recall. The dealership stated that recall was fixed and cannot use it for this problem even though it is the EXACT same issue. They state I need a new transmission now costing $9,876.00 repairs/labor for a 2014 FIAT 500L I bought for $13,000..... If this problem was acknowledged before, why isn't FIAT fixing it again?
The is a code that states service transmission, software update needed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My airbag light keeps coming on. It has been happening for the last 4 years. Everytime there is a temperature change more than 10 degrees the light comes on and stays on during driving. After the car is driven for a while and it's parked and turned off it resets. I've had the dealership check it and they say there is no code that shows the light being on. The app says I don't have any unresolved recalls but I think the replacement part is faulty.
SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE TRANSMISSION MODULE A IT'S RUNS BUT SOMETIMES WHEN IT APPEARS SOMETHING IS STUCK CAUSING TRANSMISSION LIGHT APPEAR AND SOMETIMES IT STOPS ME IN MIDDLE OF ROAD NOT GOING IT'S DISCONNECTED SOMEWHERE NOT SAFE IN MIDDLE OF ROAD SEEMS IT'S NEVER BEEN FIXED FROM RECALL?? IT DID TO ME IN MIDDLE OF ROAD EVEN IT'S NOT OVERHEAT AS WELL HAD TO SHUT OFF WAIT FOR LIKE 1 MINUTE THEN START AND GO IT WOULDN'T START RIGHT AWAY SOMETHING WITH THE SENSOR SOMEWHERE FOR NO APPEARLY REASON OVER ALL IT RUNS GREAT BUT SOMETHING TO DO WOTH MODULE A IS WHAT THEY SEEN ON THE CHECK UP WHEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DID IT 3 TIMES IN ME IN MIDDLE OF ROAD WHEN TRANSMISSION WON'T GO LIKE I SAID I WAS TOLD WHEN THEY DID THE DEVICE CHECKING WHEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CHECKED FROM THERE . BEEN DOING THIS MORE LAST MONTH AND THIS MONTHLIES IT NEED UPDATE OR WHAT NEED HELP PLEASE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, and the contact became aware that the vehicle had shifted into neutral independently and was unable to shift back into gear. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
The sunroof exploded on his Fiat 500 L while he was driving. It was very early in the day, no other vehicles on the road so no debris hit it. It just exploded out of nowhere. Insurance has been notified to inspect the damage. The sunroof was closed at the time, due to it being 20 degrees. No prior issue with it. This has happened to other drivers with this particular vehicle per online chat rooms.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am having severe transmission issues. Gears are 'unavailable' and will switch me into D1, D2, and so on, all the way up to D8. I can feel the gears shifting (not in a good way), and if the brake is applied too suddenly it will fall out of gear and the service engine light is on, the car will not move. This has happened several times to me, while driving (on the freeway!) VEry dangerous. I see there are 3 recalls for Fiat 500L. I wonder if I am one of the affected.
SPEED SLOW DOWN,
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
License plate lights (2). Burned wires and components.
THE RADIO DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME THAT EVERY FIAT HE HAS SEEN HAS THIS PROBLEM AND TO SEE IF IT HAS BEEN RECALLED. I AM NOT ABLE TO USE THE CAMERA ON THE CAR, THE RADIO AND I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ON MY DASH BOARD BECAUSE NONE OF THE RADIO IS WORKING. THE LIGHTS INSIDE THE CAR IN THE FRONT DO NOT WORK. I AM NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE FORM THEM TO NOT WORK. I AM NOT SURE IF THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE RADIO EITHER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WENT TO PUT ON SAFETY BELT AND LATCH HALF WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE BUCKLE. SAFETY BELT COULD NOT BE WORN. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP IN THE BAY AREA WHERE I WAS LOCATED AT THAT DAY FOR REPAIR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT-225/45 R17 91H/6YAR W878 I'VE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH THESE TIRES. ONE EXPLODED ON THE HWY 85 IN GA. HOPING ABOUT 60. IT JUST SHREDDED. $168.00. THEN ANOTHER INCIDENT DRIVING IN TOWN ANOTHER WAS FLAT AFTER VISITING A FRIEND, HAD TO REPLACE $200 TO REPLACE . 3RD IN TOWN GOING 35. FLAT. MIDNIGHT A CALL TO EMERGENCY TIRE REPLACEMENT $200. THEN FOURTH WAS ON THE STREET GOING 25-30. BUMP CURB TURNING. THIS WAS NOT A HIGH SPEED OR HARD BUMP. TWO FLAT TIRES PASSENGER SIDE, AGAIN CALLED EMERGENCY TIRE SERVICE, CALLED AT NIGHT REPLACED TIRES $200.00-BUT THEN THE STEERING SEEMED WEIRD-$3,495.00 + $200 THE LAST 3 HAPPENED WITH IN A MONTH AND A HALF. FED UP. BOUGHT NEW SET + SPARE OF GOODYEAR. REPLACEMENT. CAR HAS LESS THAN 35,00.00 MILES ON IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON HWY 183 IN CEDAR PARK, TX, A TRUCKER DID NOT HAVE HIS TARP TIED DOWN TIGHT ENOUGH, ALLOWING A LARGE AMOUNT OF ROCKS AND DEBRIS TO FLY OUT OF HIS TRUCK BED. THESE ROCKS, OF COURSE, BOUNCED ALL OVER THE HIGHWAY CAUSING QUITE A DISTURBANCE AND CRACKING MY WINDSHIELD SO BADLY THE WHOLE THING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED THIS TRUCKER AND HE WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS, I HAVE HIS TRUCK ON VIDEO RIGHT AFTER THE INCIDENT. DRIVER'S NAME IS [XXX] WITH TERRY TRUCKING, DOT #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .