Being relatively new and based on an already niche product, the Fiat 500L was never a great seller. You could call Fiat's diminished presence in the states and low reliability recall a reason for this lack of interest, but as we see it, the 500L is a pretty decent product on its own. For a new car, this wagon only has 3 recalls and 137 user complaints, the latter of which is a reflection of the low sales volume. However, the dependability of this car is par for the course and there is nothing that is concerning worth pointing out here. Though the 2014 Fiat 500L does not have direct competitors, the $19,345 base asking price puts it squarely in the vicinity of a nicely specced trims of the Kia Soul, the Toyota Corolla hatchback, and even an entry-level trim of the Mini Countryman. If you do want to buy one, you would obviously be browsing for the known issues with this car. We have compiled all information on that in this article which will help you ease the decision here.
2014 Fiat 500L User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine Problems- Loss of motive power has been a common issue on the 2014 Fiat 500L. The owners have complained about the vehicle intermittently losing power while driving or completely failing to respond to throttle input. Though this issue was left undiagnosed initially, it was later found to be errors in the powertrain control module software which limited engine output at idle. This issue was later resolved through a recall 17V192000 during which the module software was updated. Manufacturing problems of turbocharger on initial batches of the 1.6L mill cases it to fail, resulting a fall in boost pressure.
- Transmission problems- Transmission issues are one of the most prominent complaints on the 2014 Fiat 500L, with the main source being the shifter. Multiple owners report getting a “gear unavailable” warning while the shifter prevents from shifting to any other gear from “park’ mode. This issue was brought to the notice of the automaker quickly and the issue was traced to be with the sifter module. A recall (ID-14V103000) was initiated in the same year rolling out updated software for the module or providing replacement if issues were found with the physical unit.
- Parking brake issues- Parking brake binding issues are something to watch out for on the 2014 Fiat 500L. The unit may fail to disengage or remain in contact while driving. Owners have reported getting a burning rubber-like smell or facing a considerable loss of braking power in a short time. Though the parking brakes line can be replaced to fix this issue, owners do complain about the issue occurring again in a short while.
Electric System complaints
- Miscellaneous issues- Electrical/ electronic amenities like the key fob, external temperature sensor, fuel injectors, and some powertrain sensors are said to malfunction when the art is left untouched for a while. So if the vehicle has been left undriven for a while and expert diagnosing is advised.
Structural complaints
- Steering issues- The steering on the 2014 Fiat 500L is a fault point you need to be aware of. Owners have reported an occasional loss of steering power assistance while driving the car. Sometimes it fixes itself after a few seconds or else the driver is forced to restart the entire vehicle. It is mostly noticed in city speeds or on quick steering actions. Though the complaint was reported to the dealer, it was dismissed as the issue could not be replicated.
2014 Fiat 500L Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
21st March 2017 |
17V192000 |
Incorrect PCM software calibration |
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration may be incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when the accelerator pedal is fully pressed, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. |
|
2 |
6th August 2014 |
14V481000 |
The knee airbag may deploy improperly |
Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. |
|
3 |
4th March 2014 |
14V103000 |
Delay or inability to select transmission gears. |
In certain temperatures, moving the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a transmission gear, causing unwanted motion, and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the shifter module or update the shifter software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. |
Should you buy a used 2014 Fiat 500L?
The Fiat 500L is a lovable product and a unique one at that. Since these wagons might be more of a fashion accessory than an outright trusty economy car, things have higher chances of going wrong at some point in time. Though Fiats are not generally known for their reliability, the 500L seems to have had a fairly decent run for the time it has been around and does not have too many officially recognized complaints that a prospective buyer should be concerned about. It does have a few recalls on its name, but once sorted, it should offer you a mostly fine experience. The low practicality and fuel economy levels do cause it to lose points in our books, but as a unique proposition, we are not sure if you would come across anything better at this price.
