Research · Minicompact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2017 Fiat 500 AbarthRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and structure (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
13
Top: electrical system
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 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
13 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2017 – Feb 2024
- Electrical system4
- Structure3
- Power train3
- Service brakes2
- Air bags1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Visibility1
- Steering1
- Engine1
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 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
4 reports
“The PCM system does not work at all and brakes seem off—either they stop too hard or drag when pressing in them”
Structure
3 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side door handles fractured and detached from the inner side of the handle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that water had entered the door handles. The door handles were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.”
Power train
3 reports1 crash
“After a sudden stop (no impact), the car would no longer go into or come out of gear while running. When the car is not running it will still shift normally. The repair shop initially thought it was the slave cylinder but the problem persisted. They then changed the clutch and are now recommending replacing the inner CV axle boot. The problem described is similar in symptons to the existing recall on 2012-2016 Fiat 500s and the partial recall on 2017 Fiat 500s. It seems logical that all of these issues are somehow related to a flaw in the design or manufacturing.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 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 29, 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 29, 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 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth as of Oct 29, 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.
2017 500 Abarth questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth problems?
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), structure (3), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026