Home · 2014 Fiat 500l · Complaints

What 183 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Fiat 500l

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (183)Crash / fire / injury (11)Transmission & drivetrain (123)Engine (30)Electrical system (25)Speed control (20)Brakes (9)Steering (9)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (8)Airbags (6)Fuel system (6)Body & structure (4)

123 of 183 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 1 of 5

Feb 11, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

Will not pass emissions due to sensors not going into "ready" state. We have taken it to 4 different mechanics and we were told that the abs module is not communicating. So we replaced it and still nothing. Now we are told that the PCM is not storing memory. There have been no lights illuminated on the dash this whole time, and no codes to determine the underlying electrical issue. With issues like these the car can stall, get stuck in gear, no Abs could cause a crash and not to mention once again will not pass emissions testing due to these issues. The issues have been confirmed by a mechanic at an independent service center. Again, no warming lights or codes, or pending codes for the issues listed above.

NHTSA ODI 11717370

Feb 9, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while the vehicle was coming to a stop at an intersection, the vehicle became inoperable while attempting to shift gears, with the message “Gears Unavailable” displayed. The contact attempted to shift gear several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and retrieved DTC: B1011, B1181, and U1736. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V103000 (Power Train), and that the shifter module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11716668

Sep 3, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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 closest Chrysler Dealership is unable to perform anything on this vehicle as they no longer are licensed for the Fiat Software. Hence, they are unable to inform me if this is covered by Fiat or if this is something that I need to fix out of pocket. Seeing that the 214 Fiat 500L does have a Power Train-Automatic Transmission Control Module and Power Train: Automatic Transmission (moving the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a transmission gear) = I believe it is covered, but it is not showing as a recall for my VIN #. How do I submit this or where/who can assist is getting this recalled and corrected? Thank you, [XXX] Email Address: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11684898

Sep 3, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

after looking at all of the complaints within NHTSA there are approximately 50 pages of combined complaints with each page showing 4 "call outs" and the majority being Power Train and reading pretty much all of them it appears that they are all the same issue. Their vehicles along with mine were not recalled; but we are having the same issues. What is needed or what needs to happen for all of the 500L Fiat being recalled for the Power Train issue? Does somebody need to die due to the failure of the Power Train when they are in traffic and the vehicle basically shuts down and/or off? Note, the miles on these complains vary from 55,000 up to 100,000

NHTSA ODI 11684901

Sep 1, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

parked car, getting ready to leave and would not shift into gear. Finally shifted into gear and there was little to no power when accelerating. shifting into gears is hard, jerks vehicle when it does drop into a gear. No acceleration and when it does shifts gear with a lot of difficulty

NHTSA ODI 11684303

Aug 11, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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 taken to a dealer; however, the failure was not replicated. On another occasion while stopped, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The message "Shift into Neutral and Then Select Gear" was displayed. The contact shifted from Neutral to Drive. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was then towed to the same dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred within a month. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the dealer stated that the vehicle was already repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, but no diagnostic result was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679779

Jul 2, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The transmission went out and radiator fluid temp high light came on. Fiat started to not be able to shift or too easily shifted by itself. The safety of others and myself were at risk because the car could have stopped or switched into other gears on the road and caused an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11670821

Jun 16, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission will not shift up or down in automatic, was in the middle of traffic unable to maintain a safe speed.

NHTSA ODI 11667305

May 27, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

I was driving my car down a busy road when I approached a red light and slowed to a stop. I kept my foot on the brake and the car in drive until the light turned green. Then, I tried to use the gas pedal without success and got an error message about needing to switch the gear to neutral. I was stuck in the road, unable to make the drive or neutral options work with the gas. Then, I tried switching my car into park and turning it off and back on again. It flashed on the "P" several times before I turned it off and refused to switch to the driving gear when I turned it back on. I had to put it in neutral and have strangers help push my vehicle off the road into a parking lot. The incident occurred on a busy street in the middle of a holiday weekend afternoon and caused tons of traffic and inconvenience and honking and stress.

NHTSA ODI 11663243

Mar 25, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

When pressing on accelerator, it would not accelerate properly. Therefore having to press accelerator more while not going at accurate speed. Furthermore as driving the vehicle one day fully pressing on accelerator vehicle would not accelerate. Therefore, having to stop in the middle of the road going uphill.

NHTSA ODI 11650652

Jan 26, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Engine randomly stalls and will not restart upon entering on-ramps. Automatic transmission randomly fails and slips into limp mode while accelerating from stop lights or accelerating into highway traffic. This issue has caused numerous light rear end collisions with other vehicles following too closely when the transmission malfunctions, causing the other vehicle to impact the rear bumper of the 500L. I had to have the vehicle towed out of traffic because it would not restart or move under it’s own power

NHTSA ODI 11638595

Jan 10, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

My car refuses to shift gears despite being able to start. The car and its gear shift (and transmission, power train, and any other potentially affected parts) are available for inspection upon request; however, the vehicle would have to be towed as it cannot be driven. There was zero prior warning, notice, etc. Cold weather may be a contributing factor, but this issue has been reported numerous time across this vehicle's make, model, and year (2014 FIAT 500L) by other owners to the NHTSA already. I've driven it sparingly since I moved states, so there is zero reason for the vehicle to stop shifting gears all of a sudden. Again, the car issued no warning lamps nor other messages nor symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, the failure simply occurred without warning. The vehicle is stuck in my driveway and blocking other cars. Had I been driving when this event occurred, there could have been a serious danger and/or disaster that could have put my life (and others) at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11635182

Jan 7, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power and failed to properly accelerate. The contact's daughter pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle stalled. The service engine warning light illuminated on and off. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure and the mechanic suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11634660

Oct 22, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, and the contact became aware that the vehicle had shifted into neutral independently and was unable to shift back into gear. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA ODI 11621386

Oct 16, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 FIAT 500L. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the transmission began slipping out of gear. The transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced.  The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11620096

Oct 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, before accelerating forward. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact learned online of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192000 (Power Train). The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ODI 11619275

Aug 1, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

When in traffic on the highway the car all of a sudden would not shift out of first. Following that, all power was lost to the drivetrain, but accessories were still powered and working. Before the car gave no power to the drive, the oil light came on in addition to the engine light, when the oil levels were checked they were confirmed to be normal. The car has been inspected by a mechanic who suggests replacing the entire transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11605895

Jul 25, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the transmission message was displayed, and the vehicle would not properly shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission dual clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dual clutch kit was installed but after retrieving the vehicle the failure later reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192000 (Power Train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,958.

NHTSA ODI 11604554

May 1, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

1.) Vehicle will not shift into forward or reverse. Shift lever moves but vehicle does not respond. Intermittent problem. 2.) Excessive acceleration is required before vehicle will move, then lurches forward or backwards.

NHTSA ODI 11586458

Apr 9, 2024SteeringTransmission & drivetrainDriver assistance

CAR INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTS OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL WHEN faced with an uphill grade forcing car backwards. We have had over 5 nrear accidents involving rolling off hillsides ar onto property or into traffic behind. Car will not engage we have been desperately against a steep hill many times. Also front ABS brakes intermittently grab 1 wheel forcing car sideways at 40 mph. Also car emits rattle sound coming from lower gearbox or engine area noticeable through cab, both before and after a complete $4300 transmission rebuild. Service completed by FIAT and Alfa Romeo od Van Nuys California. This car is going to kill us. Fiat is dragging their feet. I will list the first incident below at March 18, 2023 but then many more occurred after, even after trans rebuild. This design is life-threatening. Who rebuilds a trans at under 50,000 miles??

NHTSA ODI 11581946

Mar 27, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that while in reverse(R), a gear shifter message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192000 (Power Train) which was associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 139,724.

NHTSA ODI 11579783

Feb 22, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

My car is experiencing the same issue as a previous recall T19. Does not go when foot is pressed completely on gas . Will start & only go 25mph & sound like it is stuck & will not shift. Then randomly will jerk & accelerate. Tool to local mechanic Oct 2023. went for oil change, just befor appointment started running weird and check engine light had came on,asked him to check it out. Local mechanic said reader said knock sensor. paid for part,and went for pick up. Check engine light was off, ran good for about 5 mins on way home had to turn around. Took it back now local mechanic says theres mice damage to wiring harness. estimated 3,000-5,000 total. after already paying 800 for knock sensor and oil change. Told to try & see if insurance will cover rodent damages . Insurance has towed car to Fiat dealership, now being told there is zero mice damage to my wiring harness. Replaced knock sensor now for a second time, still not the fix. Was told the Issue is unrelated to the mice & has to do with my PCM. Repair cost is more than my car is even worth at this point. Sounds just like past PCM recall issue. Mine was apparently fixed 03/23/17. Is there a way there could be another recall? I have under 70,000 miles & do not understand how this has happened.

NHTSA ODI 11573327

Jan 24, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

It only has 42,000 miles and the transmission light came on and it didn't want to go into park. The dealership won't tow it and keeps trying to day the are going to charge me for it when it still has both recalls on it. I had to play with the shifter to get it out of reverse it wanted to stay in reverse. And I was afraid it was going to run someone over because I. Couldn't park it

NHTSA ODI 11567438

Jan 16, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

While driving in bumper to bumper traffic. Started to have trouble with accelerating rhe vehicle. Noticed the car had a recall with that cause the issues thatbi was having. I took the car to the fiat dealership to have the recall fixed. But after working on the cat, it has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall. Still has the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11565862

Dec 9, 2023Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

While driving in traffic the check transmission light came on and car would no longer accelerate coming to a stop in traffic. Gears were not recognized per dash lights. Towed to shop for transmission repair which failed again within a six month time frame when once again while driving check engine light, check transmission light, check temp light all alternately started flashing, car quit accelerating and coasted to stop.

NHTSA ODI 11559241

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Working with the data? Download all 183 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Fiat 500l verdict →