2015 Fiat 500: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2015 Fiat 500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 92 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2015 Fiat 500 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2015 Fiat 500 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2015 Fiat 500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2015 Fiat 500 has 92 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Fiat
- Model
- 500
- Model year
- 2015
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 92
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 33
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2015 Fiat 500 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2015 Fiat 500?
The 2015 Fiat 500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2015 Fiat 500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2015 Fiat 500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2015 FIAT 500 are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and electrical systems, with a moderate number of engine-related reports. Crash-related complaints are few, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Electrical faults are the second most common complaint category.
- Unintended acceleration, though infrequent, is noted among complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported problem.
- Electrical Faults appear as a recurring theme in complaints.
- Engine Problems are also a notable concern.
All 2015 Fiat 500 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Fiat 500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 32 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Fiat 500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 shifter was significan…
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the manual transmission was unable to shift into gear. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminate…
A recall has been open on this vehicle for over 5 years. I have been waiting for a year and 2 Fiat dealerships cannot complete the recall because the manufacturer has failed to manufacture a spring part for the repair. The spring has been back ordered since May 2023 for my order,…
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500 Pop Hatchback. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the parts to repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. …
The quality of the exterior door handle is an issue. My passenger side door handle has snapped completely off and my drivers side door handle has partially broken, but still functions. The rear door hatch also stopped working. The arm rests both broke rather easily as well. My la…
In March 2023 my wife was driving our Fiat 500 on the freeway and the sunroof exploded with a loud bang. Small pieces of glass shattered everywhere and fell all over here. The sound and glass caused her to swerve, luckily no other cars were around. We got insurance involved and…
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic noticed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlamps had failed to operate. The brake warning light and the headlamp warning lights were illuminated. The contact st…
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 to the local dealer …
Driver side seat belt has worn prematurely, no longer retractable or locking in place. Seat belt is often wet during rainy weather, the vehicle is only 6yrs old to already have a safety belt malfunction. It is unknown to me why the seat belt has malfunctioned.
After bringing vehicle to a complete stop at a traffic light, it died and gave a propulsion system warning. After about 20 attempts to turn off and reboot the vehicle, it restarted and behaved as if nothing had happened. This was a very dangerous situation with the vehicle stuck…
I was driving our Fiat 500e (31K miles) in late June, when suddenly the HV Battery System (and primarily the PIM/Power Inverter Module that controls the HV battery system and propulsion system) failed, causing my moving vehicle to lose it's ability to use power steering. I was o…
Rear end car crash. Seat back collapsed and threw me into back seat where I sufferred brain injury.
Bought the vehicle used and it had zero issues. I bought 4 new tires and immediately after the RBS and ESC warning lights appeared but disappeared one day later. Fives days after the new tires the RBS & ESC warning lights reappeared but remained. I took it to the FIAT Dealership …
Our FIAT was rear-ended on October 20. My wife suffered multiple critical injuries. The accident occurred in Manatee County Florida. I have the accident report, a picture of the vehicle, and a reported recall of the vehicle for a seat problem that took place in Australia. The…
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the interior door handles on the driver’s and passenger’s side front doors fractured making it difficult to open the door from the inside or outside of the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufac…
Fiat made their 500e vehicles (electric) and sold them off as a tax relief. Unfortunately, many who have purchased this vehicles are experiencing similar issues. The car dies and the main battery is dead (not the small battery that you can replace/charge - the big one). Upon …
FIAT 500E VEHICLE BRAKING BEHAVIOR IS UNEXPECTEDLY HARD, SUDDEN, OR UNPREDICTABLE UNTIL THE USER USES AN OBD SCAN TOOL WITH APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE- AND INITIATES BRAKE CONTROLLER SENSOR RE-CALIBRATION. THIS OPTION IS FOUND UNDER THE DIAGNOSTIC MENU UNDER: ABS>RENENERATIV…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: High voltage battery system, the vehicle is available for viewing. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: Long time garage storage of vehicle and limited owners …
I am a retired master certified automotive technician. Ever since I bought this 2015 Fiat 500e [it is battery electric] in 2017 with NO warning all kinds of trouble/service lights will go on as the car shuts down & stops as if it was thrown into Park, & most of the time it does t…
2 Recalls R20 and S26
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Fiat 500.
2015 Fiat 500 Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Fiat 500. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2015 Fiat 500 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2015 Fiat 500 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 92 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2015 Fiat 500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Fiat 500?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (32 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (26 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Fiat 500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2015 Fiat 500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2015 Fiat 500, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 92 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2015 Fiat 500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Fiat 500. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2015 Fiat 500?▾
The 2015 Fiat 500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Fiat 500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2015 Fiat 500 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.