Research · 4 NHTSA variants

2018 Fiat 5 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2018 Fiat 5 Series. Most complaints involve engine (7) and electrical system (5).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jun 2024
Owner complaints
16
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 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: front underhood

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Electrical systemReported Aug 9, 2018NHTSA 18V524000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2018 – Feb 2025
  1. Engine7
  2. Electrical system5
  3. Power train4
  4. Service brakes3
  5. Fuel/propulsion system2
  6. Structure1
  7. Visibility1
  8. Wheels1
  9. Vehicle speed control1

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
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

7 reports
“I purchased my 2018 Fiat 500X POP used in April 2023 with only 22k miles. This past weekend 12/16 when I would first start my car up and get ready to leave in the mornings after having been parked for the night, my car would start up normal and I could proceed down the street. The minute I apply the break my car would lose power, stall out or shut off completely. I would press the start button, release the break, shift the gear to drive and proceed forward. I would go about 20 mph as I was driving in a residential area then my car would stall out and shut off again leaving stuck in the roadway. I repeated the start process to pull over to a safe location. I called the dealer and they said there are no recalls for this issue, however, I located one, but my VIN is not coming back as one of the affected vehicles. This is extremely dangerous as I live in an area with freeways as the only way to get to certain areas and cannot have this vehicle shutdown on freeways because it could result in a bad accident. I am looking for any assistance I can receive from this complaint. Fiat is not helpful, and the closest dealer is 2hrs from my residence.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2023Power train, EngineODI 11560961

Electrical system

5 reports
“THE Transmission Valve Body Solenoid was diagnosed as not working. while i was driving on the highway without any indication the car just started slowing down . There was not a warning or anything, then the transmission service lights up, i had to have my car towed to a dealership however they informed me that there was never any service they were supposed to do on my transmission because of the type of vehicle i have. this part is expensive and not easily obtainable. car is still showing transmission issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11595749

Power train

4 reports
“There is an active recall for the power train control module for this car but it is not showing up in the NHTSA list. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCRIT-18V524-1313.pdf identifies the specific recall for the powertrain control module for the Fiat 500X https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/FIAT/500X/SUV/2WD#recalls lists the recalls done for the vehicle and it does not list the powertrain control module recall issue. We just bought this car from CARMAX and looks like this campaign recall fix was not listed on the site so they didn't address it and now the car wont work or run. If the recall was listed by the VIN they would have been required to fix before selling.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2023Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11542790
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

5 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Fiat 5 Series as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 12793Vehicle 12801Vehicle 12798
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

2018 5 Series questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Fiat 5 Series have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 2018 Fiat 5 Series problems?

Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (7), electrical system (5), power train (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026