Fiat 500L: common problems and reliability

The Fiat 500L is a compact family car with a striking design. Its reliability leaves something to be desired. The average rating is 3.5 out of 5. Annual repair costs are around €600. This model scores worse than comparable cars in its class. Electrical faults occur regularly. Problems with the automatic transmission are well known. Engine problems caused by oil contamination are a risk. Even so, many examples give years of reliable service with good maintenance. Do you want to know what to look out for with the Fiat 500L and how to avoid expensive repairs?

The Fiat 500L within the model family

The Fiat 500L appeared in 2013 as a roomier version of the popular Fiat 500. The 500 is a compact city car. The 500L offers more interior space and a higher seating position. The model was produced until 2022. It was aimed mainly at young families looking for space. These families did not want to sacrifice the playful looks of the 500 line. The car has five seats and a generous boot. Striking design elements such as the panoramic roof make the model easy to recognise. With this, Fiat tried to stand out in the crowded compact MPV segment.

Even so, the 500L struggles with a less favourable reputation for reliability. Fiat car problems are not uncommon. Unfortunately, the 500L is no exception. In several reliability tests the car scores significantly lower. Rivals such as the Nissan Note or Renault Scénic perform better. Consumer Reports even labelled the 500L as one of the least reliable models. This was due to recurring complaints about electronics, transmission, noise and leaks.

Why this problem guide saves you money

Knowing about common problems is valuable. It allows you to carry out targeted checks when buying. You also know exactly which maintenance should have priority. When buying a used Fiat 500L, check for known weak points. That prevents you from buying an example with hidden defects. You know exactly which maintenance deserves priority. This way, you avoid costly repairs. The 500L is not necessarily a bad choice, but does call for a conscious approach. With this guide, you are armed against the most common pitfalls.

How reliable is the Fiat 500L really?

In reliability tests Fiat scores better than Ford and Nissan. The brand lags behind makes such as Hyundai and Kia. The 500L achieves a reliability score of 92 per cent. This puts it in 15th place out of 32 brands. That does not sound bad, but the devil is in the detail. Owners mainly report problems with the electronics. The transmission also generates regular complaints. Unexpected warning lights appear. Annual maintenance costs are around €600. That is higher than for many comparable models. The chance of serious defects within the first years is greater. With Japanese or Korean rivals, this risk is lower.

Even so, there are plenty of owners who are satisfied with their 500L. Models with a manual gearbox prove reliable. Models with a petrol engine also perform well. Good maintenance is a must in this respect. The driving pleasure, space and low purchase price on the used market make the car attractive. This applies to those who are prepared to devote extra attention to preventive maintenance.

Engine problems that occur regularly

The 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engine is sensitive to oil shortage. This can lead to serious engine damage. This small two-cylinder requires regular checking of the oil level. Follow the oil change schedule strictly. If maintenance is neglected, engine damage can occur. Expensive repairs are then the result. When buying, always check the service history. Make sure that oil changes have been carried out more often than the bare minimum. Some experts advise shortening the interval to twice a year. This is especially sensible for short journeys in town.

The 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine is reliable in itself. Good maintenance is, however, a prerequisite. This engine is also used in the Fiat 500 Abarth and the Dodge Dart. It has proven to be durable. Regular servicing is essential. Pay close attention to the condition of the turbo and check whether there are any oil leaks around the engine. Diesel engines mainly struggle with clogged diesel particulate filters. A particulate filter traps harmful particles from the exhaust gases. This problem mainly occurs when the car is driven mostly on short trips. Without regular motorway miles, the filter fills up. This can lead to expensive replacement. Do you mainly drive short trips in town? In that case, choose petrol.

Transmission problems that cost money

The automatic transmission with dry twin-clutch is the major weak point of the Fiat 500L. From around 25,000 kilometres owners report problems. Slipping clutches occur. Gearshift issues and a sticking clutch pedal are also reported. This problem occurs very frequently. Fiat has not launched a recall. This did not happen, despite the many complaints. Replacing the clutch is expensive. It does not always solve the problem for good.

Be extra careful when buying a 500L with automatic gearbox. During the test drive, check shifting in all gears. Also test under load in fourth gear. Watch out for any hesitation. Watch out for delayed responses. Also listen for unusual noises. For city use the automatic gearbox is not recommended. The manual gearbox is considerably more reliable. It gives problems far less often. Do check fourth gear under load. Some examples show slight wear here.

Electrical faults and software issues

Electrical problems are among the most frequently reported complaints with the Fiat 500L. These include, for example, failures in lighting, sensors or the infotainment system. Random warning lights on the dashboard are common. Infotainment systems cut out. Failures in navigation, audio and ventilation are known. These faults often disappear temporarily. Later they return. Regular software updates at a Fiat dealer can help. A software update is an adjustment to the car's control programs. Many of these problems are resolved or reduced by this.

A known problem is that the battery runs flat. This happens when the car is parked for a longer period. The car must then not have been locked. Always lock the car. This activates a relay (a switch) that shuts down unnecessary systems. This prevents battery drain. Wiring in the steering column can wear prematurely. This mainly occurs on older models from before 2016. It leads to faults in the instrument cluster. Steering wheel controls can also fail as a result. When buying, it is wise to test all electrical systems thoroughly. Test the lights, wipers and climate control. Also test the infotainment system.

Chassis and suspension demand attention

Thudding noises over bumps and potholes often indicate problems. This points to worn shock absorbers. Shock absorbers dampen the movements of the suspension and ensure comfortable road holding. With the Fiat 500L it is striking that the front right shock absorber often wears out first. The left one lasts longer. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs. This guarantees even operation. During a test drive, check whether you hear knocks. Pay particular attention when driving over speed humps or potholes. Also brake in a corner and listen carefully.

Ball joints in the control arms wear prematurely. Ball joints are hinges that allow the wheels to move. Control arms connect the wheels to the body. This is due to insufficient pressing at the factory. It leads to play in the front suspension. The result is an unsettled steering feel. When the ball joints are worn, it is often necessary to replace the complete control arm. Not all garages can supply the parts separately. When buying, have the front suspension checked for play. Have the wheels aligned to detect uneven tyre wear.

Interior and bodywork: finish and wear

The interior of the Fiat 500L feels cheap. It shows signs of wear faster than its rivals. Cracked plastics on the dashboard are a common sight. Discoloured buttons and stained upholstery are also well known. This is especially common on cars that have been used by families. Seat comfort on long journeys is mediocre. The thick spokes of the steering wheel make it uncomfortable to hold. This is particularly noticeable when you have to hold it for a long time. The placement of the paddles on automatic versions is awkward. It is not intuitive.

On the outside, alloy wheels are susceptible to flaking. Flaking is when the paint comes loose and peels away. Bubbles in the paint also occur. Inspect all four wheels carefully when buying. Refurbishment is expensive. Rust is not a major issue on newer examples. Do, however, check the wheel arches and the bottom of the doors. This applies to cars over eight years old. The finish of seams and panel gaps can cause rattles on poor road surfaces. This is annoying. It is not necessarily a technical danger.

Minor irritations that should not be underestimated

Alongside the major technical issues there are many smaller annoyances. Owners complain about these regularly. Think of poorly functioning buttons or little noises in the interior. The battery can drain after just a weekend without driving. This is particularly annoying in winter. The use of cheap materials in the interior causes creaks and rattles. These get worse over time. Door handles and grabs feel fragile. With intensive use, they can get damaged.

• Air conditioning that performs weaker than expected on hot days
• Reversing camera with poor image quality in bad weather conditions
• Parking sensors that give false alarms or respond too late
• Side windows that sometimes do not close fully, causing wind noise
• Tailgate that is heavy and cannot be opened electrically

Preventive maintenance extends service life

Good maintenance makes all the difference. A reliable Fiat 500L requires more attention than a car that is constantly at the garage. Check the oil level every two weeks. The 0.9-litre engine needs extra attention, because it is very sensitive to oil shortage. Change oil and filters according to the schedule. With intensive city use, do this even more often. Plan at least one long drive a month. With diesel engines this ensures that the particulate filter regenerates. Regeneration means that accumulated particles are burned off by high temperatures.

Have software updates carried out at an authorised Fiat dealer. This minimises electrical faults. Check the battery every year. Replace it preventively after five years. This is particularly important if you often make short trips. Have the suspension inspected annually for play and wear. Replace shock absorbers at the first signs of leakage. Replacement is also needed if damping performance deteriorates. Use original parts or reputable quality brands. This helps prevent problems with compatibility and lifespan.

What should you look out for when buying?

Preferably choose a Fiat 500L with a manual gearbox and petrol engine. This combination is the most reliable and causes fewer problems than the automatic with diesel engine. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol is more reliable than the small 0.9-litre two-cylinder. The service history must, however, be complete. Avoid models with automatic transmission. Only make an exception if you are certain that the clutch has been replaced. Even if the problem has not occurred with that particular example, you can still consider buying it.

During the test drive, test all electrical functions. This includes the infotainment system, climate control, lights and electric windows. Drive both in town and on the motorway. Listen for unusual noises when changing gear, braking and cornering. Check the wheels for paint damage. Inspect the tyres for uneven wear. This may indicate incorrect alignment or worn suspension. Ask for the service history. Check whether oil changes have been carried out regularly.

Is the Fiat 500L a wise choice?

The Fiat 500L offers plenty of space and character. The price on the used market is modest. The eye-catching design, panoramic roof and practical layout make the car attractive. This is especially true for families on a tight budget. Even so, the 500L calls for a realistic assessment. In this context, assessment means weighing up the pros and cons carefully before you buy. Reliability is below average. The chance of expensive repairs is higher. With Japanese or Korean alternatives such as the Nissan Note, Honda Jazz or Kia Venga this risk is lower.

If you maintain it well and choose a manual petrol version, the 500L can function well for many years. Do, however, allow for annual maintenance costs of around €640. Set aside money for unexpected repairs. Is carefree reliability important to you? Then there are better options. Are you looking for a spacious car with character? Are you willing to accept the risk of extra costs? Then the Fiat 500L certainly has something to offer.

Practical advice for the future owner

The Fiat 500L requires a deliberate choice. By this we mean that you need to think carefully about the known risks and prepare for extra maintenance. Pick an example with a full service history. Ideally choose a manual petrol engine. Plan regular servicing. Set aside a budget for repairs. Test all functions thoroughly before buying. If in doubt, have the car inspected by an independent specialist.

The right approach means having the car serviced regularly and keeping a close eye on the known weak points. With this approach, the 500L can be an affordable and practical family car. Do not ignore the known issues. Deal with them proactively. Follow the maintenance schedule more strictly than prescribed. Keep an eye on the oil level. Regularly drive longer distances. This helps prevent engine problems. In this way, you get the best out of this quirky Italian.