Research · Minicompact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2016 Fiat 500 AbarthRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth. Most complaints involve power train (8) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 27–30 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
27–30mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
14
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
14 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2015 – May 2025
- Power train8
- Electrical system3
- Engine3
- Service brakes3
- Air bags2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Structure1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
8 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact restarted the vehicle and forcefully shifted the transmission into 2nd gear to prevent losing motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,350.”
Electrical system
3 reports
“El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marcó muchas fallas en las cuales les tomé foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se pegó en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los códigos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la batería sigue en un 47% pero aún así sigue sin funcionar el vehículo”
Engine
3 reports
“ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS MY WIFE'S CARE HAS REFUSED TO SRMTART WITH NOW ANSWER FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHY, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY FIAT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY STILL SQUEAK WHEN IN REVERSE, AND LATELY IT SAYS THERE IS A TIRE SENSOR THAT IS DAMAGED OR LOW ALONG WITH DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE, THIS KEEPS US FROM USING THE AWD SYSTEM EFFECTIVELY, AND FIAT SAID THEY FIXED THE ISSUE ONCE BEFORE AND IT CAME BACK WITHIN THE WEEK. THE CAR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE DAY SHE BOUGHT IT ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH NOT STARTING AND MULTIPLE COMPUTER PROBLEMS WITH NOW HELP FROM THE DEALERSHIPS, THIS CAR IS STILL COVERED UNDER ALL WARRANTIES AND STILL CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH MY WIFE GOING TO WORK. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE ERROR CAME UP WHILE DRIVING, THIS DOESN'T ALLOW THE CAR TO OPERATE THE AWD SYSTEM LIKE IT SHOULD”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Abarth Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,650 | 299 |
| 500 Abarth Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,950 | 326 |
- 30mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth as of Oct 28, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2016 500 Abarth questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (8), electrical system (3), engine (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026