Fiat 500X research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The 500X is Fiat's stylish small crossover. 2016-2018 models offer a 160-hp 1.4L turbo with a manual (front-drive) or a 180-hp 2.4L four with a 9-speed automatic and optional AWD. From 2019 every 500X has a stronger, more efficient 177-hp, 210 lb-ft 1.3L turbo, a 9-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive (about 24/30 mpg). 2019-2023 cars are the better pick for most buyers; check the oil-consumption campaign on early 2.4L cars and the airbag sensor recall on later ones.
Model years covered: 2016–2023. Discontinued in the U.S. after 2023 (EPA lists no 2024 U.S. 500X); production for other markets continued into 2024, so non-U.S. specifications do not apply.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Distinctive italian styling
- Compact easy to park size
- Standard AWD 2019 2023
- Torquey 1.3 liter turbo 2019 2023
- Manual transmission available 2016 2018
- Comfortable ride for the class
- Shared mechanicals with jeep renegade
Things to know before you buy
- 2019 is major powertrain dividing point
- 2.4 liter oil consumption campaign 2016 2018
- Nine speed automatic should be road tested
- Multiair engines need correct oil
- AWD tires should match
- Small cargo area
- Low resale value
- 2023 is final US model year
- Recall and campaign status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2016–2023)
The 500X (Type 334) debuted at the 2014 Paris show and reached the U.S. for 2016, built in Melfi, Italy, beside the Jeep Renegade. U.S. cars launched with a 160-hp, 184 lb-ft 1.4L MultiAir turbo and 6-speed manual (FWD) or a 180-hp, 175 lb-ft 2.4L Tigershark with a 9-speed automatic and optional AWD. The 2019 update replaced both with a 177-hp, 210 lb-ft 1.3L turbo (FireFly/GSE family), a 9-speed automatic and standard AWD, along with refreshed styling. The 2023 model year was the last in the U.S.
Buyer takeaway: For most shoppers, a 2019-2023 500X with the 1.3L turbo and standard AWD is the best choice. 2016-2018 cars are cheaper and offer a manual, but 2.4L automatics should be checked for oil consumption and campaign completion.
Fiat 500X by model year
2023 Fiat 500X
The 2023 500X is the final U.S. model year; EPA lists no 2024 or later U.S. 500X. It keeps the 177-hp 1.3L turbo, 9-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive (about 24/30 mpg). Fiat's U.S. lineup then shrank to the electric 500e. Service remains available through Stellantis dealers; confirm the seat-belt sensor recall by VIN.
- Engines: 1.3 liter turbo I4 177 hp 210 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All wheel drive standard
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- Final US model year
- No 2024 500x sold in the US
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Airbag seat belt buckle sensor recall completion; Turbo engine oil change records and oil level; Nine speed automatic shift quality; AWD rear drive module and matched tires; Start stop and battery health; Uconnect touchscreen and smartphone integration; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history.
2022 Fiat 500X
The 2022 500X keeps the same formula: 177-hp, 210 lb-ft 1.3L turbo, 9-speed automatic and standard AWD (about 24/30 mpg). Differences between trims are mostly appearance and equipment. Like other late 500Xs, it is a comfortable, stylish small crossover with AWD; check the seat-belt buckle sensor recall and turbo-engine oil-change history.
- Engines: 1.3 liter turbo I4 177 hp 210 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All wheel drive standard
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- Largely carryover
- Lineup continues with standard AWD
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Airbag seat belt buckle sensor recall completion; Turbo engine oil change records and oil level; Nine speed automatic shift quality; AWD rear drive module and matched tires; Start stop and battery health; Uconnect touchscreen and smartphone integration; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history.
2021 Fiat 500X
The 2021 500X is largely unchanged: a 177-hp 1.3L turbo four, 9-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive (about 24/30 mpg). Fiat offered special editions this year (such as a Yacht Club Capri appearance edition); confirm the exact trim by VIN. Sales were small, so check parts availability for trim-specific pieces, and confirm the seat-belt sensor recall is complete.
- Engines: 1.3 liter turbo I4 177 hp 210 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All wheel drive standard
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- Largely carryover
- Special editions offered
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Airbag seat belt buckle sensor recall completion; Turbo engine oil change records and oil level; Nine speed automatic shift quality; AWD rear drive module and matched tires; Start stop and battery health; Uconnect touchscreen and smartphone integration; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history.
2020 Fiat 500X
The 2020 500X continues with the 177-hp 1.3L turbo, 9-speed automatic and standard AWD (about 24/30 mpg). A sportier-looking Sport model joined the lineup (confirm trim by VIN). Some 2020 cars were recalled for a right-rear brake caliper that may have cracked during casting, and 2019-2023 cars are covered by a seat-belt buckle sensor recall that can affect airbag deployment.
- Engines: 1.3 liter turbo I4 177 hp 210 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All wheel drive standard
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- Sport trim added verify by VIN
- Rear brake caliper recall on some cars
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Airbag seat belt buckle sensor recall completion; Turbo engine oil change records and oil level; Nine speed automatic shift quality; AWD rear drive module and matched tires; Start stop and battery health; Uconnect touchscreen and smartphone integration; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history; Rear brake caliper recall completion.
2019 Fiat 500X
For 2019 the 500X changed substantially: a new 177-hp, 210 lb-ft 1.3L turbocharged four with a 9-speed automatic replaced both earlier engines, and all-wheel drive became standard (about 24/30 mpg). It also got refreshed styling and updated infotainment. The turbo engine is more efficient and has more torque than the old 2.4L. Check the airbag-controller and seat-belt sensor recalls by VIN.
- Engines: 1.3 liter turbo I4 177 hp 210 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All wheel drive standard
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- New 1.3 liter turbo replaces both engines
- All wheel drive standard
- Manual transmission dropped
- Refreshed styling and lighting
- Updated uconnect infotainment
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Airbag seat belt buckle sensor recall completion; Turbo engine oil change records and oil level; Nine speed automatic shift quality; AWD rear drive module and matched tires; Start stop and battery health; Uconnect touchscreen and smartphone integration; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history.
2018 Fiat 500X
2018 is the last year of the original 500X powertrains: the 160-hp 1.4L turbo with a 6-speed manual (about 25/33 mpg) and the 180-hp 2.4L Tigershark with a 9-speed automatic and optional AWD (about 22/30 mpg FWD). Buyers who want a manual transmission must shop 2016-2018. Check oil level and campaign status on 2.4L cars, and run the VIN for recalls.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo multiair I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.4 liter tigershark multiair I4 180 hp 175 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo; 9 speed automatic 2.4 liter
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive available with 2.4 liter
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- Last year of the 1.4 liter turbo manual
- Last year of the 2.4 liter engine
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; Oil level and consumption on 2.4 liter; Nine speed automatic shift quality and software; Manual clutch and shifter if 1.4 liter turbo; AWD rear drive module and matched tires if AWD; Uconnect touchscreen and electronics; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history.
2017 Fiat 500X
The 2017 500X carries over the two launch powertrains: a 160-hp 1.4L turbo with a 6-speed manual (Pop, FWD) or a 180-hp 2.4L four with a 9-speed automatic and available AWD (about 22/30 mpg FWD). Trim and package names were adjusted, but the car is otherwise unchanged. Some 2017s were recalled because the low-tire-pressure light may not come on, and the 2.4L oil-consumption campaign may apply.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo multiair I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.4 liter tigershark multiair I4 180 hp 175 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo; 9 speed automatic 2.4 liter
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive available with 2.4 liter
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- Largely carryover
- Tire pressure warning recall on some cars
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; Oil level and consumption on 2.4 liter; Nine speed automatic shift quality and software; Manual clutch and shifter if 1.4 liter turbo; AWD rear drive module and matched tires if AWD; Uconnect touchscreen and electronics; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history.
2016 Fiat 500X
The 2016 Fiat 500X was the first U.S. model year: an Italian-built small crossover sharing its platform with the Jeep Renegade. The base Pop has a 160-hp 1.4L turbo with a 6-speed manual (about 25/33 mpg, FWD only); other trims use a 180-hp 2.4L Tigershark four with a 9-speed automatic (about 22/30 mpg FWD, 21/29 AWD). Check the 9-speed recall and the 2.4L oil-consumption campaign by VIN.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo multiair I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.4 liter tigershark multiair I4 180 hp 175 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo; 9 speed automatic 2.4 liter
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive available with 2.4 liter
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover
What changed:
- US market launch
- Built in melfi italy alongside jeep renegade
- Trims pop easy lounge trekking trekking plus
- Manual only with 1.4 liter turbo on pop
- AWD available with 2.4 liter
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; Oil level and consumption on 2.4 liter; Nine speed automatic shift quality and software; Manual clutch and shifter if 1.4 liter turbo; AWD rear drive module and matched tires if AWD; Uconnect touchscreen and electronics; Suspension brakes and tires; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- 2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption Customer Satisfaction Program (2016–2018)
FCA issued customer satisfaction notifications (not safety recalls) for possible excess oil consumption on some vehicles with the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir engine, a group that includes certain 500X models along with the Jeep Renegade and Cherokee and Chrysler 200. The remedy involved a software update and, where needed, engine repairs. Applicability is VIN-specific.
What to do: On a 2016-2018 2.4L 500X, check the oil level and ask a dealer to confirm campaign status by VIN. - 9-Speed Automatic: Recall and Shift Quality (2016–2023)
Most 500Xs use a 9-speed automatic. Certain 2016 cars were part of a recall for transmission wiring crimps that could let the transmission unexpectedly shift to neutral, fixed with a software update (NHTSA 16V-529). Owners of FCA's 9-speed have also reported hesitant or abrupt shifts that dealers addressed with software updates.
What to do: Road-test in traffic and confirm recall and software updates are complete. - Airbag Seat-Belt Sensor and Restraint Software Recalls (2019-2023) (2019–2023)
Certain 2019-2023 500Xs are included in a 2024 recall because a seat-belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, which can prevent a front airbag from deploying as intended (NHTSA 24V-510). Some 2019 cars also had restraint-controller software that could disable passive safety features (19V-287).
What to do: Make sure these recalls are complete before purchase. - MultiAir and Turbo Engine Maintenance (2016–2023)
All 500X engines use Fiat's MultiAir variable intake-valve system, which relies on clean oil of the correct specification, and the 1.4L and 1.3L are turbocharged. On-time oil changes with the specified oil matter for long-term health.
What to do: Favor cars with documented on-time oil changes. - All-Wheel-Drive System and Tire Matching (2016–2023)
AWD was optional with the 2.4L (2016-2018) and standard from 2019. The system can disconnect the rear axle to save fuel; mismatched tires or neglected fluids can strain the power transfer unit and rear drive module.
What to do: Check that all four tires match and no AWD warnings appear. - Other Model-Specific Recalls (TPMS 2017, Brake Caliper 2020) (2017–2020)
Some 2017 500Xs were recalled because the tire-pressure warning light might not illuminate (NHTSA 17V-146), and some 2020 cars because the right-rear brake caliper may have been fractured during casting (19V-909).
What to do: Confirm these recalls by VIN if the car falls in the affected years.
Recalls
Recall and campaign applicability varies by model year, production date, engine and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies, and on 2.4L cars ask about the oil-consumption customer satisfaction program.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Jeep Renegade
- Mazda CX-3
- Honda HR-V
- Hyundai Kona
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Chevrolet Trax
- Mini Countryman
- Fiat 500L
Questions this guide answers
- Which engine does this 500X have?
- What changed on the 2019 500X?
- Does this 500X have all-wheel drive?
- Is the 2.4L oil-consumption campaign relevant to this car?
- Which 500X years offer a manual transmission?
- How is the 500X related to the Jeep Renegade?
- What fuel economy does the 500X get?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- When did Fiat stop selling the 500X in the U.S.?
- What similar small crossovers should I consider?