Fiat 500 X engine problems, 2016–2018
65 of the 180 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Fiat 500 X 2016–2018 name the engine (NHTSA’s “Engine” heading — the engine and its cooling system). The loudest years: 2016 (52), 2018 (7), 2017 (6). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 manufacturer bulletins. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Fiat 500 X engine problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the engine | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 7 | 64% | — | 30 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 | 6 | 40% | — | 34 TSBs | the year → |
| 2016 in depth | 52 | 34% | 33k | 47 TSBs | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the engine. Nothing here is a rate.
When the engine complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2017: 5 · 2018: 10 · 2019: 11 · 2020: 12 · 2021: 8 · 2022: 3 · 2023: 6 · 2024: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2026: 3
Across the model years, half of the 41 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the engine problem between 23,000 and 46,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the engine, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
Transmission kicks from first to second at take off after stops. Usually traffic lights. I have taken the car in for service twice, the kick doesn't happen all the time anymore, but it still happens. It's a concern since i've almost been rear ended twice
On 3/30/2019, after a short drive (approx. 0.5 miles), the following message appeared on the dashboard: 'drive mode unavailable' and 'service engine'. This was also accompanied by what seemed to be much more noticeable vibration from the working engine and a subtle smell of something burning.
I purchased my vehicle in 2020. I was not aware there was an open recall on this vehicle for an oil consumption issue. The dealer did not tell me and I received no notice from Fiat/Chrysler over the next two years. I began having a problem with the engine cutting out as I was driving down the road without any warning.
2021 Car failed RECALL OIL CONSUMPTION test twice at local dealership. Sept 2021 dealership said replaced a part. Oct 2021, when leaving a gas station car would not start, dashboard was flashing symbols and died, would not start, after 1/2 hr car bucked to house 6 blocks away. Yes car is available for inspection.
I received a customer satisfaction notification from FCA US LLC stating they were recommending some improvements on my 2017 Fiat 500X equipped with a 2.4L engine. They had determined that some vehicles may have been consuming more oil than usual.
What is on file about the engine, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications3 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Jul 8, 2025
- Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders:
- Apr 30, 2025
- "2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XS1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block. "
- Aug 29, 2024
- "2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block."
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Fiat 500 X
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Fiat 500 X problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Fiat 500 X years have the most engine complaints?
2016, 52; 2018, 7; 2017, 6. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2018 (64%).
Is there a recall for the engine on the Fiat 500 X?
No recall campaign is filed under this heading on any of these model years. A bulletin is not a recall: it carries no federal duty to repair for free.
When do engine problems show up on the Fiat 500 X?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 32,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 23,000 and 46,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Engine" heading cover?
The engine and its cooling system. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.