Fiat

Fiat 500

The 2019 Fiat 500 offers distinctive styling and city-friendly dimensions, but potential buyers should prioritize confirming that both its recalls have been addressed, particularly the manual transmission shifter shaft issue.

Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score

Specifications by model year

Compare the stats that matter

Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.

Fuel economy

EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearCity MPGHighway MPGCombined MPGCity L/100 kmHighway L/100 kmCombined L/100 kmFuel-economy range
20192432279.87.358.71—
20182432279.87.358.71—
20172432279.87.358.71—
20162432279.87.358.71—
20152432279.87.358.71—
20142733298.717.138.1127-34 mpg combined
20132733298.717.138.11—
20122733298.717.138.11—

Engine, transmission & drivetrain

Powertrain specifications can vary between model years. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearBody styleCylindersDisplacementFuel typeEngine codeTransmissionDrivetrainHorsepowerEngine configurationTorque
2019hatchback41.4Premium—Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT)FWD/Front-Wheel Drive———
2018hatchback41.4Premium—AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive———
2017hatchback41.4Premium—Manual/StandardFWD/Front-Wheel Drive160In-Line—
2016hatchback41.4Premium—Automatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive———
2015hatchback41.4Premium—Automatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive———
2014hatchback41.4PremiumTJETAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive101-160 hpInline-498-170 lb-ft
2013hatchback41.4Premium—Automatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive———
2012hatchback41.4Premium—Automatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive———

Pricing & configuration

Original pricing and model configuration where available. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearBase priceTrimpricing
2019$21,990PopBase price: $21,990, Trim: Pop
2018$20,495LoungeBase price: $20,495, Trim: Lounge
2017$14,995PopBase price: $14,995, Trim: Pop
2016———
2015———
2014———
2013———
2012———

Space, dimensions & utility

Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearSeatsDoorsCargo (L)Cargo (cu ft)Steering locationEntertainment systemSeat rowsGVWRAxlesWheelsWheelbaseFront wheelRear wheelTurboBrakesbodyAndInterior
20194———Left-Hand Drive (LHD)CD + Stereo2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)2490.61616——Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Entertainment system: CD + Stereo, Seat rows: 2
20184———Left-Hand Drive (LHD)——Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)2490.61515——Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
2017422699.5Left-Hand Drive (LHD)—2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)2490.61515YesFront vented discs; rear solid discsSteering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2
2016———————Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)————————
2015———————Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)————————
201442—————Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)————————
2013———————Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)————————
2012422699.5———Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)————————

Safety ratings & driver assistance

NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

YearFrontal crashRolloverRated vehicleabsesctractionControltpmsautoBrakerearCameraadaptiveDrivingBeamautoReverseSystemOverall ratingSide crash
2019442019 FIAT 500 3 HB FWDstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard——
2018442018 Fiat 500 3 HB FWDstandardstandard———standard————
2017442017 Fiat 500 3 HB FWDstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard—standardstandard45
2016442016 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD———standard————45
2015442015 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD———standard————45
2014442014 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD———standard————45
2013442013 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD———standard————45
2012442012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Later Release———standard————33

Model year reports

2019

Newest
Buyer's guide

The 2019 Fiat 500 offers distinctive styling and city-friendly dimensions, but potential buyers should prioritize confirming that both its recalls have been addressed, particularly the manual transmission shifter shaft issue.

2018

Buyer's guide

The 2018 Fiat 500 presents an average reliability profile, with a notable concern regarding **service brakes** that exhibit diving behavior under aggressive braking.

2017

Buyer's guide

The 2017 Fiat 500 presents a mixed reliability picture.

2016

Buyer's guide

The 2016 Fiat 500 presents a below-average reliability record, primarily due to significant concerns with its powertrain, specifically clutch failures that can lead to a loss of motive power.

2015

Buyer's guide

The 2015 Fiat 500 presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to significant powertrain concerns, particularly with the manual transmission clutch.

2014

Buyer's guide

The 2014 Fiat 500 is a stylish subcompact with a city-friendly footprint, but its below-average reliability, particularly concerning the powertrain, demands careful consideration.

2013

Buyer's guide

The 2013 Fiat 500 presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant powertrain and electrical system concerns.

2012

Buyer's guide

The 2012 Fiat 500 is considered below average for reliability, with significant concerns centered on its **power train**, particularly clutch and transmission failures.

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

What are the best years for the Fiat 500?

Carfocal currently has 8 published 500 reports, covering 2012 through 2019. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2019 Fiat 500 offers distinctive styling and city-friendly dimensions, but potential buyers should prioritize confirming that both its recalls have been addressed, particularly the manual transmission shifter shaft issue.

Published year coverage: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.

Is the Fiat 500 reliable?

There is no single reliability answer for every Fiat 500. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2019 fiat 500 offers distinctive styling and city-friendly dimensions, but potential buyers should prioritize confirming that both its recalls have been addressed, particularly the manual transmission shifter shaft issue. and the 2019 fiat 500 can represent good value if purchased at a competitive price, especially given its unique styling. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.

8 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.

What are common problems with the Fiat 500?

Across Carfocal's published 500 guides, recurring problem areas include Manual Transmission Shifter Assembly, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Brake Pads and Rotors. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.

Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Manual Transmission Shifter Assembly, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Brake Pads and Rotors.

Supporting data
Published guides
8
Years tracked
8
Data sources
NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints