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FIAT 500L (2014–2020): Full Technical Specs & OBD2 Diagnostics
Built 2014–2020 · all production years covered on this single page
1.4L I4 Turbo • Gasoline
2020
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
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An independent value score for the Fiat 500L (2014–2020) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability8.1
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Fiat 500L (2014–2020) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Fiat 500L (2014–2020) is powered by a 1.4L I4 Turbo engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (7)
NHTSA 15V590000
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Date: 23/09/2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 23, 2015, to May 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a passenger frontal air bag that was not folded properly during the assembly process. As a result, the air bag …
NHTSA 17V192000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Date: 21/03/2017
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.
NHTSA R/2021/068
Due To Incorrect Type Approval Data Processing The Manufacturer'S Plate (Vin Plate) And Registration Document Must Be Replaced
Date: 19-03-2021
Due to incorrect type-approval data processing the manufacturer's plate (VIN plate) and registration document must be replaced.
NHTSA R/2017/325
Supplementary Heater Wiring May Become Damaged And Cause An Electrical Short-Circuit
Date: 13-12-2017
On some Fiat 500L vehicles a layout non-conformity could cause abrasion of the supplementary heater (PTC) wiring. This could result in possible electric short-circuiting with the possibility of a loss of some vehicle safety. In the worst case it could cause a vehicle fire..
NHTSA 14V481000
Air Bags › Knee Bolster
Date: 06/08/2014
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 vehic…
NHTSA 14V481000
Air Bags › Knee Bolster
Date: 06/08/2014
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 vehic…
NHTSA 14V103000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 04/03/2014
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.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
56 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
DPF Clogged (Fiat)Emissions
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
City Steering (Fiat)Chassis
Sport Mode (Fiat)Engine
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
86 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Fiat 500L across model years 2014–2020. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
2 fires
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 201460
Model year 201523
Model year 20162
Model year 20171
Most reported components (all years)
Power Train55
Electrical System16
Engine10
Unknown Or Other9
Vehicle Speed Control7
Air Bags6
Sample reports
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. (MY 2015)
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 si… (MY 2014)
The sunroof exploded on his Fiat 500 L while he was driving. It was very early in the day, no other vehicles on the road so no debris hit it. It just exploded out of nowhere. Insurance has been notified to inspect the damage. The sunro… (MY 2014)
Car will not shift into gear automatic transmissions will not shift readily out of park and won’t go into park sometimes. The transmissions does not receive, or is slow to receive, an intended gear selection. Vehicle came to a complete s… (MY 2014)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2014–2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fiat 500l have any safety recalls?
Yes — 7 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Fiat 500l?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Fiat 500l?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Fiat 500l?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are engine problems common on the Fiat 500l?
Yes — 32 of 85 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “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 no…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Fiat 500l?
Yes — 42 of 85 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “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 no…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are transmission problems common on the Fiat 500l?
Yes — 54 of 85 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “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 no…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Fiat 500L (2014–2020) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Fiat 500L (2014–2020) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["225/45R17", "245/45R19", "225/40R18", "205/55R16", "205/50R17"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Fiat 500L (2014–2020)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Fiat 500L (2014–2020) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Fiat 500L (2014–2020) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Fiat 500L (2014–2020).