Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500 vs Toyota Camry
How the FIAT 500 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FIAT 500 vs Toyota Camry: The FIAT 500 averages 101 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214, but the Camry has more severe reports like sudden acceleration and brake failure. The FIAT's top issue is powertrain (388 complaints), and the Camry's is also powertrain (395). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500
The FIAT 500 is a compact city car that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of powertrain and electrical gremlins that can surface in everyday driving. Owners report issues with transmission response, brake hesitation, and electrical failures like headlamps and warning lights. The high complaint rate per year (about 101) suggests these problems are not rare, and the sample complaints highlight safety-relevant concerns such as unintended acceleration and sunroof shattering.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a higher total complaint count but over a longer period, averaging about 214 per year. The complaints are spread across powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical, with notable reports of transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. While the Camry has more complaints overall, its higher sales volume and longer model run may contribute to that number, but the severity of some reported issues (e.g., sudden acceleration) is concerning.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 806 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 100.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 38 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FIAT 500
- 01POWER TRAIN388
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM135
- 03ENGINE108
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
- 05AIR BAGS52
Owners report transmission hesitation or failure to respond when downshifting, and brake pedal slow to respond at low speeds, which can be alarming in parking lots. These issues suggest potential problems with the transmission control module or clutch, affecting drivability and safety.
Electrical failures include headlamps not operating and warning lights illuminating without cause. Some owners mention high voltage battery system issues after long storage, indicating potential battery degradation or charging system faults that can leave you stranded.
Engine complaints include starting problems and persistent brake squeal even after warranty replacement, pointing to possible ignition or fuel system issues. The sample also mentions a tire sensor issue, which can trigger warning lights and affect safety systems.
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that after driving at low speeds, upon parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond while stopping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken…”
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to downshift, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while the RPM continued to rev. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear s…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises on acceleration and dealer-confirmed need for replacement. This is a costly repair and suggests a potential design or manufacturing defect in certain model years.
Reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration are extremely serious, leading to crashes. Additionally, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes indicate potential cooling system problems that could cause overheating or engine damage.
Brake failure on steep hills, with no response when pressing the pedal, is a critical safety issue. This could be due to brake booster or master cylinder failure, and it demands immediate attention.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FIAT 500 — 26 recalls
The defect: DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
The risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitori…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
The defect: DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
The risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitori…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
FIAT 500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500 has fewer complaints per year (about 101) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's higher volume may reflect its larger market presence. In practice, the Camry's reported issues include more severe safety concerns like sudden acceleration and brake failure, while the FIAT's problems are more electrical and transmission-related. Neither is clearly more reliable, but the nature of the failures differs.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500 has a higher proportion of powertrain complaints (388 out of 806) than the Camry (395 out of 2143), but the Camry's powertrain issues include transmission replacement needs.
- The Camry has more brake-related complaints (290) compared to the FIAT (not in top 5), with reports of complete brake failure.
- The FIAT has notable electrical system issues (135 complaints) including headlamp failures, while the Camry's electrical complaints (246) are less prominent in the sample.
- The Camry has reports of sudden unintended acceleration, a severe safety issue, whereas the FIAT's sample includes a sunroof explosion but no acceleration incidents.
- Inspect the transmission for smooth shifting and check for any hesitation or delayed response, especially when downshifting.
- Test all headlamps and warning lights; look for signs of electrical issues like flickering or intermittent failures.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have it inspected by a mechanic if present.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond firmly; check for any warning lights related to brake system.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall lists for both models and ensure any open recalls are addressed before purchase.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway and stop-and-go, to feel for transmission or brake anomalies.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Research common issues for the specific model year you're considering, as some years may be more problematic.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FIAT 500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 5 | 736 |
| 2017 | 13 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FIAT 500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500 vs Toyota Camry
- FIAT 500 total complaints
- 806
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FIAT 500 total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FIAT 500 avg complaints/year
- 100.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500
- FIAT 500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN