Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500X vs Toyota Camry
How the FIAT 500X 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 500X vs Toyota Camry: The 500X averages 23.4 complaints/year with 10 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints/year with 31 recalls. The 500X has fewer total complaints but reports engine shutdowns and transmission slipping; the Camry reports brake failure and sudden acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500X or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500X
The FIAT 500X is a subcompact SUV that averages about 23 complaints per year over eight years, with 10 recalls and 4 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe abrupt engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, and electrical glitches that can lock up the car. The pattern suggests a vehicle that may require more frequent attention to engine, electrical, and transmission systems than a typical buyer expects.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher total complaint count—2,143 over ten years—but that reflects its huge sales volume; per year it averages about 214 complaints. Owners report sudden acceleration, transmission grinding, brake failure, and HVAC odors. With 31 recalls and 181 crash-related reports, the Camry has a broader set of reported issues, though many are shared across a large fleet.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500X | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 187 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 500X
- 01ENGINE65
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
- 03POWER TRAIN56
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER36
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING14
Owners report the engine shutting off abruptly while driving, sometimes after a turn, leaving electrical functions on but the car unable to move. Another common complaint is an open emissions recall with parts on backorder, meaning the fix may be delayed.
Complaints include dashboard lights flashing and the car locking up, sometimes traced to water leaking into the body frame and reaching electrical components. This can strand a driver and lead to costly diagnostics.
The transmission may unexpectedly shift from drive to neutral, causing the engine to rev without accelerating. Owners also report transmission lockup, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Several complaints center on emissions recall repairs that either weren't completed or caused new problems, leaving owners without a clear resolution. This matters because a buyer may inherit an unresolved recall.
“I am writing to you in regard to my 2016 FIAT 500X about multiple concerns. 1. There has been an open recall on the Emissions system since 2022. I immediately followed up and was put on a waitlist as I was told that the parts were on back order. I was told I…”
“MY VEHICLE HAS ABRUPTLY SHUT OFF ON MY TWICE NOW. THE FIRST TIME, I HAD JUST MADE A TURN FROM A BUSY INTERSECTION NEAR MY HOME WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THOUGH THE CAR STOPPED MOVING, NONE OF THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OF WOULD SHUT OFF. I HAD TO DISCONN…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission replacement is needed. Some also report unintended acceleration or braking issues in parking situations.
Sudden, uncontrollable acceleration has been reported multiple times, sometimes resulting in crashes. Another complaint is a coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by recall for certain VINs.
Drivers report the brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills or when trying to stop gently. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate inspection.
Recurring HVAC odors—like vinegar or mildew—come from the vents when the air conditioning is used. While not a safety defect, it can be unpleasant and costly to fix.
“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 500X — 10 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X vehicles. The right rear brake caliper could have been fractured during the casting process.
The risk: A cracked right rear brake caliper can fail, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's nu…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
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 500X or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500X has far fewer complaints per year (about 23) than the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's numbers are inflated by its much larger sales volume. In practice, the 500X shows a higher concentration of engine, electrical, and transmission complaints relative to its small fleet, while the Camry's issues are more varied but include severe brake and acceleration reports.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500X has 187 complaints over 8 years (23.4/year) versus the Camry's 2,143 over 10 years (214.3/year), but the Camry sells in far higher numbers.
- FIAT 500X owners frequently report engine shutdowns and transmission slipping into neutral, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related reports and 163 injuries, compared to 4 crash-related and 4 injuries for the 500X, though these totals are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Both vehicles have open recalls: the 500X for emissions parts on backorder, and the Camry for air bag, seat, wheel, and label issues.
- Check for any open emissions recall and confirm the repair was completed; owners report long waits for parts.
- Test drive at low speeds and listen for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, and check for water leaks around the body frame that could affect electronics.
- Inspect the transmission for grinding noises during acceleration and ask if the transmission has been replaced or is on backorder.
- Test the brakes on a hill or slope for any softness or failure, and check for sudden acceleration by lightly pressing the gas in a safe area.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to see all open recalls and confirm they have been fixed.
- Take a test drive that includes highway merging, hill braking, and low-speed parking to feel for transmission or brake issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical system for the specific symptoms reported.
- For the Camry, check for HVAC odors and confirm the coolant valve bypass recall status for that VIN.
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 500X | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 2 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 2 | 270 |
| 2019 | 3 | 393 |
| 2018 | 11 | 736 |
| 2017 | 15 | 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 500X or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500X vs Toyota Camry
- FIAT 500X total complaints
- 187
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FIAT 500X total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FIAT 500X avg complaints/year
- 23.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500X
- FIAT 500X top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN