Get this deal! Call now.
Speak with a vehicle protection plan specialist and get $300 off any new contract instantly.
Call 866-678-4172
or scan the code below
Buying a new car or a used car can be a tricky process. The choice of vehicles is almost endless, and while it can be tempting to go for the make and model you find most aesthetically pleasing, looks don’t mean much if it doesn’t run well.
More than anything, no one wants to be caught out by unexpected component failure, so your top consideration for a vehicle should be its reliability. And some vehicles are much more dependable than others.
The Fiat 500 is an iconic Italian car, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the Fiat 500X (its compact SUV counterpart) is a good buy. Unfortunately, however, it’s an unreliable vehicle you should probably avoid.
Here, we’ll take a look at some common issues raised by Fiat 500X owners, manufacturer responses and recalls, plus some of the most frequently asked Fiat 500X questions.
Like other vehicles produced by the automaker, the Fiat 500X is a bold-looking car. Current models come in Pop and Sport variations, with the latter being the more expensive of the two. All Fiat 500X models come with a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower.
A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are also standard. The all-wheel-drive system has three driver-selectable settings to optimize traction in varying conditions.
With a starting price of approx $29,505, it’s a little expensive for the class. The advanced Sport trim comes in at $32,495, adding amenities like Beats speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and front and rear parking sensors. However, the basic Pop trim should meet most people’s needs, with standard features including a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking.
The interior is made from quality materials, the infotainment system is easy to use, and the peppy engine is great for driving around town—but the list of positives pretty much ends there. Reviewers report low stability on bumpy roads, poor performance at higher speeds, limited seat support, and little rear passenger space. Considering the price point, you can certainly get much more for your money with other compact SUVs.
According to data found on Car Complaints, the most common Fiat 500X issues fall into the following categories:
Arguably the most important part of any vehicle, the fact that engine problems received the most complaints, should be cause for concern. Owners have experienced issues including burning oil, broken motor mounts, and stalling while driving.
Several complaints report continuous electrical issues during ownership, including batteries needing to be replaced several times, headlamps intermittently losing power, and infotainment systems failing.
As well as complete transmission failure, some complaints more specifically mention reverse synchronizer failure—which stopped working at just 15k miles in one case.
You can’t drive your car if you can’t even get into it. The most common exterior accessory failure is the driver’s door handle, which has been known to fall off with use.
Issues with brakes are always very concerning. The top reported brake problem for the Fiat 500X is the electronic parking brake, which can get stuck in the locked position and immobilize the vehicle.
Transmission slipping is the top reported issue, with one owner noting that of the 19 days they’d owned their Fiat 500X, it was being worked on at the dealership for 12 of them.
Daytime lights not operating properly is a common concern, with them turning off and on intermittently.
We need to put it alongside its competitors to give us a clearer picture of the Fiat 500X’s performance. U.S. News gave the car a poor reliability rating of 5.2/10, making it 17th out of 17 subcompact SUVs. The top three scorers were:
With a starting MSRP of just $22,950, the Mazda CX-30 doesn’t just score much higher than the Fiat 500X—it’s also significantly cheaper. It scored 8.6/10 for reliability, with reviewers praising its spry handling and roomy, luxurious interior.
Coming in at an even more affordable $19,790, the Kia Soul is notable for its low starting price, spacious cabin, and responsive handling. Its score of 8.5/10 is only slightly lower than the Mazda CX-30 and still significantly higher than the Fiat 500X.
The Hyundai Kona is another high-scoring subcompact SUV, achieving a respectable 8.4/10. While the cargo hold is smaller than its two closest rivals, it has potent turbocharged engine options, lots of standard driver-assistance features, and balanced handling.
The Fiat 500X’s reliability will have a number of negative implications on resale value. Most obviously, the car’s reputation will no doubt make it a more difficult sell. A buyer who knows anything about the model will not be willing to pay a high ticket price, especially if they factor in the cost of potential component failure based on common complaints. Even if the buyer isn’t aware of the car’s low-reliability score, a history of frequent repairs will be a red flag.
What could potentially recover your resale value somewhat is an extended auto warranty. Investing in one that you can easily transfer to subsequent owners will reassure them that whatever happens, the cost of any unexpected repairs will be completely covered. While it won’t completely save them from the inconvenience of breakdowns, the financial security might be enough to make them more comfortable with the risk.
There have been five Fiat 500X recalls to date, ranging from minor fixes to critical issues:
Even when a vehicle doesn’t have the best reputation, there are always at least a few upsides. To give you the most rounded view possible, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Fiat 500X side by side:
Fiat 500X pros:
Fiat 500X cons:
If you still have some questions about the Fiat 500X, you might find the answers here:
There are many common problems with the Fiat 500X, with the top reported including engine problems, electrical problems, and transmission problems. According to the most recent data, the 2016 model year has received the most complaints.
RepairPal puts the average annual maintenance and repair cost for a Fiat 500X at $503, which is above the subcompact SUV average of $466 per year. 9% of annual repairs are expected to be severe, driving that cost upwards in many cases.
Unfortunately, the Fiat 500X has a reputation for being unreliable, with many owners complaining of a wide variety of problems. There have also been a number of safety recalls, including critical brake issues and instances of vehicles stalling while driving.
Yes. The 2023 generation of the Fiat 500X will be the last to be sold in North America, with the model being completely discontinued when the brand goes fully electric. Fiat’s brand chief has stated that the only Fiat model to be sold in the US and Canada after that point will be the smaller 500e.
There’s no doubt that reliability is important, but it’s an unfortunate reality that no component lasts forever. When something eventually fails, you can be sure it’ll be at the worst possible moment, leaving you stranded at the roadside and faced with a painful car repair bill. To keep the cost of car ownership as low as possible, drivers across the country are investing in an extended auto warranty—and Endurance is America’s most trusted provider.
Since opening our doors way back in 2006, we’ve helped thousands of drivers save some money with our winning combination of quality coverage and excellent customer service. We offer a wide range of plans aimed at an even wider range of drivers, with programs for casual commuters, select luxury car owners, rideshare drivers, and even high-mileage vehicles. We’re also known for our unrivaled eligibility and flexibility, so if our base offering isn’t quite right for your needs and budget, we’ll be more than happy to tailor a bespoke contract that is.
But it doesn’t stop at component coverage. All of our plans come with a suite of incredible benefits as standard, including 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption costs, and replacement travel reimbursement. If that wasn’t enough, every new Endurance customer receives a year’s free access to our Elite benefits package, which opens up tire repair/replacement, total loss protection, key fob replacement, and much more.
Across the web, industry experts rate us as the number one extended warranty money can buy—but don’t just take their word for it. We also have thousands of five-star reviews from happy customers on sites like Trustpilot.
If this sounds like something you’d like to hear more about, all you need to do is get in touch. Call our customer care team at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote, or shop online today. Or, if you’d like to keep reading about all things automobile, make sure to check out the rest of the articles over our extended warranty blog.
Your protection is our top priority. Your quote is in progress and you will
receive a confirmation
email shortly.
We're here to make sure you get the most comprehensive EV protection. That's why we've partnered with Xcelerate Auto to offer you transparent and dependable Tesla coverage.
Want us to contact you about XCare coverage for your Tesla?
Call for $300 off any new plan!
By clicking the button, you consent to Endurance using automated technology to call, email, and text you using the contact info above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding auto protection or, in California, mechanical breakdown insurance. You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can withdraw consent at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
Speak with a vehicle protection plan specialist and get $300 off any new contract instantly.
Call 866-678-4172
or scan the code below
Simply fill out the information below and we will follow up fast with your free no-obligation quote.
By clicking the button, you consent to Endurance using automated technology to call, email, and text you using the contact info above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding auto protection or, in California, mechanical breakdown insurance. You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can withdraw consent at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
To speak to a vehicle protection plan specialist and save $300
Scan the code below
After more than 16 years as a technician and service advisor, Adam Karner transitioned to the auto protection industry in 2009. As a Product Manager for Endurance Dealer Services, he brings valuable hands-on experience. Read more about Adam.