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Fiat 500 vs. Fiat 500L Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2012 - 2018 Fiat 500 Reliability by Generation2012 - 2018 Fiat 500
53.428571428571% Best 131% Worst
See problems for this generation
2014 - 2018 Fiat 500L Reliability by Generation2014 - 2018 Fiat 500L
70% Best 160% Worst
See problems for this generation

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Fiat 500

Fiat 500 Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The car has had one failure so far in over 20K of mostly local driving only. One of the tire sensors failed, but I got a local tire shop to fix it and didn't waste a long drive to the dealer. My wife's old Honda had more failures and repairs per mile than either of my Fiat 500's - so I am pleased that they always work and drive perfectly every day like most decent modern cars. I was a bit worried since I'd owned Fiats in the past that were really NOT very good cars. But these new ones seem quite good. I think the dealer service is very poor in my opinion and will hurt sales in the long-run. These are not "main-stream" cars so how the dealers treat their few customers make a big impact on how the car is viewed and its success in the market. full 2013 Fiat 500 review
Fiat 500 Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The other reason was sheer reliability. Lots of little things went wrong with the car, and a spotty dealer network meant each one took 3-5 hours out of my day. The shifter knob came off in my hand while driving. The steering shaft developed a "clunk" and needed fixing. Various bits of plastic trim came off. The seat got a little wobbly. All of this in the first nine months! full 2012 Fiat 500 review
Fiat 500 Reliability And Durability: Neutral
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2015 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
One of the least reliable cars in the U.S. Many problems. full 2015 Fiat 500 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Fiat 500

Fiat 500 Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The car has had one failure so far in over 20K of mostly local driving only. One of the tire sensors failed, but I got a local tire shop to fix it and didn't waste a long drive to the dealer. My wife's old Honda had more failures and repairs per mile than either of my Fiat 500's - so I am pleased that they always work and drive perfectly every day like most decent modern cars. I was a bit worried since I'd owned Fiats in the past that were really NOT very good cars. But these new ones seem quite good. I think the dealer service is very poor in my opinion and will hurt sales in the long-run. These are not "main-stream" cars so how the dealers treat their few customers make a big impact on how the car is viewed and its success in the market. full 2013 Fiat 500 review
Fiat 500 Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The other reason was sheer reliability. Lots of little things went wrong with the car, and a spotty dealer network meant each one took 3-5 hours out of my day. The shifter knob came off in my hand while driving. The steering shaft developed a "clunk" and needed fixing. Various bits of plastic trim came off. The seat got a little wobbly. All of this in the first nine months! full 2012 Fiat 500 review
Fiat 500 Reliability And Durability: Neutral
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2015 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
One of the least reliable cars in the U.S. Many problems. full 2015 Fiat 500 review