Used Fiat 500X 2015-2024 reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

You could order electrically adjustable lumbar support as part of a reasonably priced comfort pack when new, so look out for this option when drawing up a list of cars to view.

Larger alloy wheels can be damaged by kerbs, so check that there aren’t any nasty chunks taken out of the metal.

Diesel models are all fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). If there's a warning light on, it'll mean that a blocked filter needs to be regenerated (a process that burns off the trapped soot). If you frequently travel on the motorway, the exhaust should become hot enough to compete this process without you noticing. However, if you mostly drive in the city, you'll need to make a special journey at a higher speed to unclog the filter.

At the time of writing, the 500X has four recalls listed. To check whether your car has been affected, you can contact your local Fiat dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.

Reason for recall

The transmission could unexpectedly switch to the N (neutral) position due to a non-conformity in the transmission wiring assembly process.

How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles, reprogram the transmission control module. Where necessary, replace the transmission wiring

Number of affected vehicles: 64

Date of recall: 03/03/2017

Reason for recall

The rear seat back of some cars could, in the event of a collision, unlatch itself and allow items from the boot to enter the interior with the potential to cause injury to those inside.

How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the latch bezels with bezels the shape of which prevents the seat belts from interfering with the latch and releasing the seat in the event of a pretensioner deployment.

Number of affected vehicles: 25,535

Date of recall: 07/09/2018

Reason for recall

Non-conformity in the airbag control module software.

How the manufacturer will repair: Update the airbag control module software.

Number of affected vehicles: 3870

Date of recall: 14/06/2019

Reason for recall

Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty 48-volt battery. This may lead to a loss of the functionality of the battery. This may result in a risk of thermal run away in the case of water infiltration.

How the manufacturer will repair: The repair is a check of the Pressure Built-up Unit (PBU) valve code and replacement of the 48-volt battery if necessary.

Number of affected vehicles: 68

Date of recall: 06/07/2023

Sadly, the 500X didn't get enough responses to finish in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey. To give you a steer, we can report that it, and its Jeep Renegade sister car, haven't done particularly well in previous surveys.

Furthermore, Fiat as a brand finished in 28th place out of 30 contenders in the car brand reliability section of the survey. That's above MG and Nissan, but below all of its other rivals.

Used Fiat 500X reliability: the owners' view

In our latest reliability survey, Fiat 500X owners said they had a mixed experience with dependability and dealer support. While a few owners of both petrol and diesel models reported trouble-free experiences, a larger number highlighted recurring issues. Faults with the electrical system were a common concern, with warning lights and infotainment glitches frequently mentioned. Some diesel owners also reported problems with the engine management system, which led to expensive repairs outside of warranty.

Several readers expressed frustration with Fiat’s dealer network, citing delays in securing parts and inconsistent service quality. In some cases, repairs took weeks, and communication from dealerships was described as poor. One owner noted that a fault reappeared shortly after being “fixed” under warranty, suggesting patchy repair standards.

Overall, the 500X appears to lag behind rivals in terms of reliability and aftersales care, particularly as models age beyond their warranty period.