CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Fiat›
  4. 500›
  5. 2017›
  6. Complaints

2017 Fiat 500 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Fiat 500 has 19 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.2/ 10

Based on 19 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 21.1%

POWER TRAIN

3 15.8%

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 10.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 10.5%

SERVICE BRAKES

2 10.5%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 21.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 11 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2017 Fiat 500.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Fiat 500

The 2017 Fiat 500 has 19 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Fiat 500 are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4), POWER TRAIN (3), STRUCTURE:BODY (2).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 10 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Fiat 500?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 500 complaints2016 500 complaints2019 500 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 11 of 11 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 Reports21% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE MILES INDICATOR FLASHES. PURCHASED 8/21/17 AND STILL FLASHES. DEALERSHIP: TOBIN FIAT 2550 S. JONES BLVD. LAS VEGAS, NV89146

9/1/2020

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.

11/19/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

6/18/2018

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.

11/19/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR JUST 5 MONTHS, I WAS PUSHING IN MY PASSENGER SIDE VIEW MIRROR AND IT POPPED OFF. I WENT BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEALER, TAKING IN A COUPLE OF TIMES TO TAKE PICTURES. AFTER 2 MONTHS, FIAT HAS COME BACK TO SAY THAT THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.

10/16/2017

THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

11/30/2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

11/30/2019

The PCM system does not work at all and brakes seem off—either they stop too hard or drag when pressing in them

7/17/2022

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The PCM system does not work at all and brakes seem off—either they stop too hard or drag when pressing in them

7/17/2022

Just before coming to a stop the brakes grab and jerk the car. The brakes work normally otherwise.

2/18/2024

ENGINE

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

USING A LARGE AND RELATIVELY HEAVY KEY RING AND INADVERTENTLY HITTING IT WHILE ADJUSTING THE RADIO CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ON THREE OCCASIONS. REMOVING THE KEY RING AND USING THE KEY WITHOUT A RING SOLVED THE PROBLEM. AFTER REMOVING THE KEY RING THERE WERE NO MORE INCIDENTS.

10/8/2017

STEERING

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

11/30/2019

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW INADVERTENTLY FELL INSIDE OF THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIAT OF SCOTTSDALE LOCATED AT 16301 N. 78TH ST, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

7/30/2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

11/19/2020

AIR BAGS

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE LIGHT THAT INFORMS OF AN AIR BAG PROBLEM GOES ON. THE DEALER SHIP REPAIRS AND A WEEK LATER THE LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. BACK TO DEALERSHIP,FIXES PROBLEM? LIGHT GOES ON IN A DAY. THIS THURSDAY 8/11/22 WILL BE THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE AIR BAG ISSUE.

8/7/2022

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side door handles fractured and detached from the inner side of the handle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that water had entered the door handles. The door handles were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

1/2/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

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

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Fiat 500?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Fiat 500 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 4 owner reports. That is about 21% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE:BODY.

Are complaints about the 2017 Fiat 500 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 10 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Fiat 500?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Fiat 500 severe?

10 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Fiat 500: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
19
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall report

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2017 Fiat 500

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved