Total Complaints
268 filings
FIAT 500L · model year
268 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2014FIAT500L carries 268 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 6 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 500L is power train with 123 filings, followed by engine (30) and electrical system (24). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2014 500L. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
268 filings
Crashes Reported
8 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 123 |
| ENGINE | 30 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 17 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9 |
| STEERING | 9 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 8 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| AIR BAGS | 6 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 3 |
| SUSPENSION | 3 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| STRUCTURE | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply w
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 5, 2013, through January 22, 2014. In certain temperatures, moving the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a transmission gear.
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.
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.
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.
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 âGears Unavailableâ 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.
Mileage: 75,000
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
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
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
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 not
Mileage: 65,000
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.
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.
Transmission will not shift up or down in automatic, was in the middle of traffic unable to maintain a safe speed.
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.
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.
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.
CLUTCH STALLS VEHICLE VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, confirmed by inspection. Not inspected by police, no warning messages
CLUTCH STALLS VEHICLE VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, confirmed by inspection. Not inspected by police, no warning messages
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 itâs own power
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 itâs own power
I took my car in to have a regular oil change. Got a call from the mechanic telling me that all of a sudden, the car will not get out of park and says there is a transmission error now on the display screen. During the 2 days that it took for them to get the car out of park the mechanic informed me that there is a known issue for 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles "all of a sudden" not getting out of park and that it is a recall. I called Chrysler and told them the issue, but they informed me that my VIN number is not showing as a recall. I would like for some help in looking into this issue because my car was working just fine before the oil change and now it is having the exact issues others have faced having the same year, same model and same make of vehicle.
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.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.