Is the Fiat 500 Reliable?
2012–2019 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sedans — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Fiat 500? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Fiat 500 Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 68 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 68 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 11 | 3 | — | 60 | Good |
| 2016 | 3 | 12 | — | — | 59 | Fair |
| 2015 | 3 | 74 | 1 | — | 43 | Poor |
| 2014 | 3 | 98 | 11 | — | 43 | Poor |
| 2013 | 4 | 103 | 4 | — | 43 | Poor |
| 2012 | 3 | 264 | 8 | — | 43 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the 500 Compares to Similar Vehicles
The 500 scores 14 points below the average sedan. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Fiat 500 Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 565 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fiat 500 reliable?+
The Fiat 500 scores 58/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 8 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 19 recall campaigns and 565 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year 500 is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2019 500 achieved the highest reliability score of 68/100 with 1 recall and 0 complaints.
How many miles does a 500 last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Fiat 500 owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used 500 will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Fiat 500 Research
Check a Specific Fiat 500 VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →