2015 Fiat 500l: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2015 Fiat 500l? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 23 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2015 Fiat 500l 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
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: 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 500l has 23 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Fiat
- Model
- 500l
- Model year
- 2015
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 23
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2015 Fiat 500l Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, 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 500l?
The 2015 Fiat 500l looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
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 500l
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for smooth shifting and check for any service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission for smooth shifting and check for any service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2015 Fiat 500l, 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
Based on 23 NHTSA complaints for the 2015 FIAT 500L, issues appear concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and airbag systems. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low sample size limits confidence. Two recalls exist for this model year.
- Transmission/drivetrain and airbag malfunctions each account for 5 complaints, the highest among reported components.
- Electrical faults and uncategorized issues each have 4 complaints, suggesting potential systemic concerns.
- No crash-related complaints were filed, though this does not confirm safety.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 5 complaints, indicating possible shifting or drivability issues.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 5 complaints, which may involve warning lights or deployment concerns.
- Electrical Faults: 4 complaints, potentially affecting various vehicle systems.
All 2015 Fiat 500l Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Fiat 500l. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 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 500l. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Vehicle randomly stuck in park and will not move in reverse or drive, at one point was in drive and moving while saying gear not available. All the complaints of the 2014 models and mine was manufactured in 2014 but labeled a 2015. Fiat is quoting the repair at 3000- to over 10k …
I JUST PURCHASED THE 2015 FIAT 500 L . I JUST HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS AND I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. 1ST THE OIL RING NEED TO BE REPLACED, THEN MY FRONT CHARGER NOT WORK AND THEN IS PROGRESS TO LED REAR PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT WENT OUT AND NOW IS THE AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT IS …
THE STEERING HANGS OR STICKS. IT STARTED A COUPLE YEARS AGO AND WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. I WAS TOLD IT DOES THAT. IT STARTED DOING THIS AROUND 50 TO 70 WHEN FIRST NOTICED AND NOW DOES IT AT ALL SPEEDS. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED IT WOULD COME AND GO AWAY SLIG…
MY CAR'S GEAR SHIFT WAS STUCK IN PARK. IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. SOMETIMES I SMELL AN ODOR LIKE SOMETHING BURNING.
CAR ONLY HAS 6,000 MILES AND IT HAS A FAULTY OCCUPANT RESTRAINT MODULE THAT CAUSES AIR BAG WARNING TO COME ON IT'S BEEN COMING ON AND OFF FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND MADE APPOINTMENT TO GET IT CHECKED ON 8/12/19 AND THEY FOUND PROBLEM 8/16/19 AND OF COURSE WARRANTY RAN OUT 8/1/19
I HAVE OWNED THREE OF THESE 2014-2015 FIAT 500L'S ALL THREE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SUN VISORS NOT STAYING UP NOR FORWARD. THEY WILL RANDOMLY DROP WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING BLOCKING THE VIEW THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. IN EACH CASE THE PROBLEMS WERE ON VEHICLES WITH UNDER 40K MILES…
SUMMARY FACTS: JANUARY 15, 2019 - TRAVELING IN A STATE ADJACENT TO WHERE THE FIAT WAS PURCHASED. TRAFFIC WAS AT A VIRTUAL STAND STILL AND AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES DRIVING, WHITE SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THERE WAS A DISTINCT BURNING SM…
THE CHECK AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON EVERY 300-500 MILES & DISAPPEARS AFTER ABOUT 200-400 MILES. THE DEALER CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. WE ARE NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAG WILL PROPERLY DEPLOY IN THE INSTANCE OF AN ACCIDENT.
THE CAR IS SHOWING THE SAME SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN THE 2014 500L TRANSMISSION RECALL. IT WILL EITHER STAY IN THE PARKING GEAR OR HAVE SIGNIFICANT DELAYS IN SWITCHING GEARS. WE FIRST SAW THE ISSUE WITH A PARKED, COLD CAR. FIRST USE IN THE MORNING. IT WAS NEVER MOVED FROM THERE OTHE…
WHILE DRIVING AND A COUPLE OF TIME WHILE PARKED THE CHECK AIRBAG LIGHT GOES OFF. SOMETIMES THERE IS A PASSENGER THAT WEIGHS OVER THE LIMIT BUT HAS SEAT BELTS ON AT ALL TIMES. THIS WEEK ALONE HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITH ONLY THE DRIVER DEALER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM. THEY HAVE IT AGAIN …
MY FIAT HAS NEARLY 5300 MILES, THE ENGINE STARTED TO EMIT A LOT OF WHITE SMOKE WHILE I WAS IN PARK AND HAD DRIVEN IT APPROXIMATE 15 MILES. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF FOR 15 MINUTES, RESTARTED AND THE SMOKE AGAIN STARTED COMING OUT NEAR THE RADIATOR. ALSO THE AIR CONDITION STOPPE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500L. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE RPMS INCREASED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR …
HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY AT AROUND 5000 MILES. IT WOULD NOT HOLD CHARGE AND BE RANDOMLY DEAD USUALLY AFTER NOT USING CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I REPLACED THE BATTERY WITH A TOP NAME BRAND AND HAVEN'T HAD AN ISSUE SINCE. I NOTICED WHEN I WAS LOOKING TO BUY EVERY FIAT 500L THA…
HAVING PROBLEM WITH FRONT BRAKE SHUDDER AFTER ONLY 11,000 MILES. WILL PROBABLY REPLACE THEM MYSELF WITH SLOTTED AND DRILLED ROTORS TO DISSIPATE HEAT. WISH THEY WOULD RECALL AND FIX ALL THE ROTORS.
HAVE THE 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS LOCKED IN THE PARK POSITION AND COULD NOT DISENGAGE TO ANY OTHER SELECTION. LEARNED THERE WAS A CAP NEAR THE SHIFT LEVER TO UNLOCK. SO FAR THIS HAS WORKED BUT STILL A PAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 (NA) FIAT 500L. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LACK OF ACCELERATION. THE TTMS AND ELECTRICAL THROTTLE BODY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 (NA) FIAT 500L. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. T…
THE FIAT 500L WAS PARKED WITH THE HAND BRAKE UP (6 SPEED). THE BRAKE FAILED AND THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 IN NORTH CAROLINA: 74 MPH; 94 DEGREES OUTSIDE; THERMOSTAT/AIRC ONDITIONER SET AT 70 DEGREES. ALL WINDOWS CLOSED TIGHTLY. 4 LANE, COUNTRY-TYPE HIGHWAY; SEVERAL MILES BETWEEN OVERPASSES/EXITS; NO CAR IN PROXIMITY - EITHER DIRECTION - WITHIN 100 YARDS. S…
WHILE UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION THE VEHICLE STOPPED RESPONDING TO THROTTLE INPUT, SEEMINGLY STUCK IN GEAR AND COASTING. ATTEMPTS TO USE MANUAL SHIFT MODE TO PROMPT AN UP/DOWN SHIFT FAILED, AFTER A NUMBER OF SECONDS THE CAR STARTED RESPONDING AGAIN BY ACKNOWLEDGING THE FULL THRO…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Fiat 500l.
2015 Fiat 500l Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Fiat 500l. 2 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 500l Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2015 Fiat 500l reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 23 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2015 Fiat 500l looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 500l?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (5 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Fiat 500l?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2015 Fiat 500l?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2015 Fiat 500l, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 23 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2015 Fiat 500l have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Fiat 500l. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 2 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 500l?▾
The 2015 Fiat 500l looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 500l reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2015 Fiat 500l 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.