AI Damage2016 Fiat 500L: common problems
Owners of the 2016 Fiat 500L filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain. The maker issued 40 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 2
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 40
What fails most often
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Also, the check engine light won't go off. Even after 4 times ($2,000) to a service garage. There are [dealer] my area. Not even the dealer where I purchased it will work on it.
The issue looks similar to fiat 500l 2014 recall for transmission software. The problem happens while driving for the first time of the day. The automatic gear doesn't shifts even if the speed goes higher. It take almost a mile or 2 for the transmission to function properly.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,862 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 11% least complained about).
On average one model year of the 500L has 1 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 2, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC)…
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning…
- Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair…
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service…
- LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is…
LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
- FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC
- Warranty Bulletin D-16-03 - "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC (Rev
- Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review…
Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
- Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
- wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
- No Start, Cannot Complete Module Replace, Proxi Or Module Proxi Configuration
- Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement…
Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
- Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of…
Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)…
- If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is…
If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
NHTSA lists 40 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Fiat 500L?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain. Total complaints: 2. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (50%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Fiat 500L?
NHTSA lists 40 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Fiat 500L from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.