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2017 Fiat 500 Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis

Overall Score

7.3/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Distinctive styling and compact size ideal for city driving.
  • Good fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined.
  • Significant safety concerns reported, including sudden steering loss.
  • Electrical system and powertrain issues are the most frequent complaints.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2017 Fiat 500

The 2017 Fiat 500 offers distinctive Italian styling in a compact, city-friendly package. This front-wheel-drive hatchback boasts an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined, making it an economical choice for urban commuting. However, potential buyers should be aware of its reliability record, which shows a tendency for electrical and powertrain issues, alongside some concerning safety-related complaints like steering loss. Its compact dimensions and unique design appeal to a specific buyer, but thorough pre-purchase inspection is crucial.

Critical Failure Risk

The electrical system is the most frequent complaint area, with issues ranging from flashing odometers to intermittent power loss and warning lights.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls2
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

19
Electrical System4
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Horsepower
160HP
Fuel Efficiency
Combined
27
MPG
City
24
MPG
Highway
32
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.6/ 10

Practicality

3.5/ 10

The score is mainly limited by small boot, limited door access, and limited seating.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Drivers seeking a stylish, compact car primarily for urban environments.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Commuters who rely heavily on their vehicle and cannot tolerate unexpected downtime.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2017 Fiat 500 Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2017 Fiat 500.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Premium
Seating Capacity
4
Horsepower
160
Transmission
Manual/Standard
Drivetrain
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Hatchback
EPA Combined MPG
27

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See the full 2017 Fiat 500 buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Electrical System

Most reported

Usage: 4 reports

2. Powertrain

Usage: 3 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-40 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-40 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Check (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering)

Est. shop cost: $125 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
2 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2017 Fiat 500 reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2017 Fiat 500 is 8.6/10. Reliability score is 8.6/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 19.

How practical is the 2017 Fiat 500 for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 3.5/10. The score is mainly limited by small boot, limited door access, and limited seating. EPA combined economy is 27 MPG. Seating capacity is 4. 2 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 269 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2017 Fiat 500 is 7.3/10. Overall score is 7.3/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Practicality 3.5/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2017 Fiat 500?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-40 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-40 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Check (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Electrical System (typical at 45,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $200 • Max: $1,500+).

What is the MSRP range for the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

Base MSRP is $14,995.

What engine is in the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

Engine specs list In-Line • 4 • 1.4. Output is 160 hp.

What transmission does the 2017 Fiat 500 use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Fiat 500, transmission is Manual/Standard. The paired drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2017 500 require Premium gas?▾

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Premium.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

EPA combined estimate is 27 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

7 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2017 Fiat 500?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Fiat 500, seating capacity is 4.

What body style is the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Fiat 500, body style is hatchback.

What drivetrain does the 2017 Fiat 500 use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Fiat 500, drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Manual/Standard.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 4/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common electrical system problems on the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

Top complaint category: electrical system (4 reports, 21.1% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2017 Fiat 500?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2017 MINI Cooper and 2017 Honda Fit.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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