2014 Fiat 500L

2014 Fiat 500L Overview:

The 2014 Fiat 500L is a compact crossover SUV that offers a unique blend of style and functionality. It is powered by a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 500L has a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a variety of standard features. However, it is also known for its reliability issues and cramped back seat.

Engine

• 1.4L MultiAir Turbo:
  • Overheating: The engine may overheat due to a faulty coolant thermostat. Symptoms include a high engine temperature gauge reading, steam coming from the engine, and loss of power. The solution is to replace the thermostat. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt may fail prematurely, causing catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a loud ticking noise from the engine, loss of power, and stalling. The solution is to replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, and water pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
• Recalls:
  • NHTSA Campaign ID: 14V029000: Crankshaft Sensor Fails, Engine Stalls

Transmission

• 6-Speed Manual:
  • Shifting Issues: The transmission may be difficult to shift into gear or may pop out of gear while driving. Symptoms include grinding noises, difficulty selecting gears, and loss of power. The solution is to adjust or replace the shift linkage. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• 6-Speed Automatic:
  • Slipping Gears: The transmission may slip gears while driving, causing loss of power and acceleration. Symptoms include a lack of power, rough shifting, and check engine light illumination. The solution is to replace the transmission solenoids or the entire transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000
• Recalls:
  • None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure: The front struts may fail prematurely, causing a loss of stability and handling. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, uneven tire wear, and a rough ride. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The battery may drain prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start. Symptoms include a weak battery, flickering lights, and a dead battery. The solution is to find and fix the source of the parasitic drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500
• Alternator Failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to stall. Symptoms include a dimming of the lights, loss of power, and a check engine light illumination. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure: The door locks may fail to operate properly, leaving the vehicle unlocked or unable to open. Symptoms include doors that won’t lock or unlock, broken door handles, and a check engine light illumination. The solution is to replace the door lock actuators or the door lock control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction: The climate control system may fail to function properly, leaving the vehicle too hot or too cold. Symptoms include a lack of airflow, uneven temperatures, and a check engine light illumination. The solution is to replace the climate control module or the blower motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Cracked Dashboard: The dashboard may develop cracks over time. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Summary

The 2014 Fiat 500L has a number of potential reliability issues that can be costly to fix. These issues include engine overheating, timing belt failure, shifting issues, transmission slipping, suspension failure, battery drain, alternator failure, door lock failure, climate control malfunction, and a cracked dashboard. Before purchasing a 500L, it is important to be aware of these issues and factor in the potential cost of repairs.