Research · 3 NHTSA variants

2015 Fiat 5 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 126 owner complaints for the 2015 Fiat 5 Series. Most complaints involve power train (38) and electrical system (38). NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Jun 2024
Owner complaints
126
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

TiresReported Jun 25, 2024NHTSA 24V474000

Power train: floor shift assembly

Free remedy

DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.

Power trainReported Jul 3, 2019NHTSA 19E044000

Electrical system: traction battery

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Fiat 500e vehicles manufactured March 22, 2012, to January 29, 2016. The power inverter module (PIM) may experience voltage spikes which can cause the propulsion system to shut down and loss of motive power.

Electrical systemReported May 16, 2016NHTSA 16V303000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

126 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2015 – Jan 2026
  1. Power train38
  2. Electrical system38
  3. Engine16
  4. Fuel/propulsion system10
  5. Air bags8
  6. Steering7
  7. Exterior lighting6
  8. Service brakes6
  9. Vehicle speed control6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 5 Series model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20111
2012396
2013182
2014323
2015126
2016174
201731
201816
20193
20202
20222
20245
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

38 reports2 fires
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to downshift, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while the RPM continued to rev. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was significantly difficult to move up or down, causing difficulty in engaging the brake as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the manual transmission gear pin had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V302000(Power Train) nor 19E044000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 6, 2026Power trainODI 11709068

Electrical system

38 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic noticed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlamps had failed to operate. The brake warning light and the headlamp warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the mechanic reconnected the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlamp connector. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the contact noticed that the headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact then stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side brake lights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken back the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lighting wirings had burned out and the connectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 3, 2023Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11515202

Engine

16 reports1 crash
“After bringing vehicle to a complete stop at a traffic light, it died and gave a propulsion system warning. After about 20 attempts to turn off and reboot the vehicle, it restarted and behaved as if nothing had happened. This was a very dangerous situation with the vehicle stuck in the middle of the road. There have been two recalls on this very specific issue (and this vehicle has had that related software updates). Vehicle did the exact same behavior for no reason. (NHTSA campaign: 16V303000 & 15V179000). And because the vehicle wasn't sold in Georgia, no local dealers know how to work on it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 7, 2022Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11492602
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Fiat 500 3 HB FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
3 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 9534Vehicle 9535Vehicle 9210
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2015 5 Series questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Fiat 5 Series have?

8 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2015 Fiat 5 Series problems?

Owners filed 126 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (38), electrical system (38), engine (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How safe is the 2015 Fiat 5 Series?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Fiat 5 Series 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026