Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500L vs Toyota Camry
How the FIAT 500L 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 500L vs Toyota Camry: The 500L averaged 29.9 complaints per year over 7 years, with 130 power train complaints, while the Camry averaged 214.3 per year over 10 years, with 395 power train complaints. The Camry also had 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, versus 5 and 0 for the 500L. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500L or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500L
The FIAT 500L is a small, quirky hatchback that, based on owner complaints, can be a frustrating ownership experience. Over 7 years, it averaged about 30 complaints per year, with the majority tied to the power train—especially transmission shifting problems. Recalls for airbag inflators and transmission control modules add to the list of things to check. For a first-time buyer, this means budgeting for potential repairs and being diligent about maintenance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a strong reputation, but NHTSA data shows a high volume of complaints—over 2,100 in 10 years, averaging 214 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with some reports of sudden acceleration and transmission noise. While many complaints may be minor, the sheer number and the presence of 31 recalls suggest that even a reliable model can have its share of problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500L | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 209 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 500L
- 01POWER TRAIN130
- 02ENGINE32
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners frequently report transmission shifting issues, including warning lights, error codes, and the car refusing to shift out of park. Some describe jerking or lagging while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include white smoke from the engine area and sudden inability to get out of park, often accompanied by transmission error messages. These symptoms can indicate serious mechanical or electrical faults.
Reports of the car refusing to shift gears despite starting, and transmission error messages on the display. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded and require costly diagnostics.
Owners describe random acceleration, stalling, and failure to accelerate when the pedal is pressed. Some link this to the PCM, which has been recalled, but problems can persist even after repair.
“The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was running, the transmission warning light illuminated, and a "Possible Ice" message was displayed even though there was no inclement weather. The vehicle was t…”
“CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE SHIFTING GEAR ISSUE. WENT TO A MECHANIC WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT AND THE RESULTS ARE: Transmission Error Messages U0415 and P1CB1 and OBDII Codes ($03) shows the same error message as Transmission P1CB1 Manufacturer Specific. the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission upon acceleration, sometimes requiring a full transmission replacement. Some mention recalls for similar issues, but not all VINs are covered.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that can lead to crashes, as well as coolant valve issues that trigger maintenance warnings. These are serious safety concerns.
Reports of brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes or when trying to decelerate. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Some owners experience HVAC problems like foul odors from the vents, which may indicate mold or debris in the system. While not safety-critical, it affects comfort and air quality.
“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 500L — 5 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 23, 2015, to May 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a passenger frontal air bag that was not folded properly during the assembly process. As a result, the air bag may not deploy as des…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not inflate as designed, the front seat occupant is at an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Fiat customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration maybe incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when accelerator pedal is fully pressed.
The risk: If the vehicle does not accelerate as expected, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2017. Owners may the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is T19.
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P…
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 500L or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500L has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's higher volume reflects its much larger sales. In practice, the 500L's complaints are heavily concentrated in the power train, suggesting a higher likelihood of transmission-related headaches, while the Camry's issues are more varied but include some severe safety concerns like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500L's complaints are dominated by power train issues (130 of 209), especially transmission shifting and error messages, while the Camry's power train complaints (395 of 2143) are a smaller share but still numerous.
- The Camry has a much higher rate of crash-related complaints (181 vs. 5) and injuries (163 vs. 3), though this may reflect its larger fleet.
- The FIAT 500L has recalls for airbag inflators and transmission control modules, while the Camry has recalls for airbag sensors, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Owner reports for the Camry include sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are severe safety concerns, whereas the 500L's reports focus more on transmission drivability and stalling.
- Check for transmission warning lights, error messages, or any history of shifting problems—test drive at various speeds and ensure it shifts smoothly out of park.
- Inspect for signs of engine smoke or overheating, and ask if the PCM recall was performed and whether any transmission control module issues persist.
- Test the brakes on a slope or during a slow stop to ensure the pedal doesn't go to the floor; any sponginess or lack of response is a red flag.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check if the vehicle has had the coolant valve bypass recall addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, engine, and brakes.
- During the test drive, pay attention to shifting quality, acceleration response, and any unusual noises or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and recall repairs.
- For the Camry, specifically test the brakes on a downhill slope and check for any sudden acceleration symptoms.
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 500L | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 500L or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500L vs Toyota Camry
- FIAT 500L total complaints
- 209
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FIAT 500L total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FIAT 500L avg complaints/year
- 29.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500L
- FIAT 500L top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN