Looking for Fiat 500L repair in Phoenix? We work on Fiat vehicles every day and cover the 500L across model years 2014 to 2020, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help 500L owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 209 owner complaints on file for the 500L and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (130), engine (32), electrical system (29).
Most-Reported Fiat 500L Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 500L (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 130 | 62% | |
| Engine | 32 | 15% | |
| Electrical System | 29 | 13% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 22 | 10% | |
| Service Brakes | 11 | 5% | |
| Steering | 11 | 5% | |
| Air Bags | 11 | 5% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 9 | 4% |
Power Train
130 of the 209 complaints (62%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
32 of the 209 complaints (15%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
29 of the 209 complaints (13%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Fiat 500L Complaints by Model Year
The 500L model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2015, 2016. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 183 | |
| 2015 | 23 | |
| 2016 | 2 | |
| 2017 | 1 |
Most Common Fiat 500L Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the 500L. The most-cited is P1CB1 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), mentioned in 8 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P1CB1 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 8 |
| U0415 | Network code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Fiat 500L Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 500L in these model years, most often involving power train, air bags. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2017 recall, Power Train (campaign 17V192000): 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.
- 2015 recall, Air Bags (campaign 15V590000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 23, 2015, to May 10, 2015.
- 2014 recall, Air Bags (campaign 14V481000): Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014.
- 2014 recall, Power Train (campaign 14V103000): Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 5, 2013, through January 22, 2014.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 500L, 5 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 3 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Fiat 500L Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Fiat will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 500L that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 500L owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Fiat 500L, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Fiat 500L Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Fiat 500L repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Fiat 500L FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Fiat 500L?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Fiat 500L are power train (130), engine (32), electrical system (29). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 500L model years have the most complaints?
The 500L model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2015, 2016. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Fiat 500L?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Fiat 500L, the codes cited most often are P1CB1 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), U0415 (network code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Fiat 500L have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Fiat 500L across model years 2014 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Fiat 500L in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Fiat vehicles including the 500L, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Fiat 500L?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Fiat 500L in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Fiat Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.