2016 Fiat 500X

The 2016 Fiat 500X is a subcompact crossover SUV that offers Italian styling and available all-wheel drive. Engine options for this year include a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, and a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. People generally appreciate the 500X for its unique styling and available features, while common dislikes include its reliability, relatively small interior, and somewhat lackluster fuel economy compared to competitors.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (with 6-Speed Manual Transmission)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or whining noise from the engine bay, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder (with 9-Speed Automatic Transmission)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level warning light, the need to add oil frequently between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Could range from replacing valve cover to piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls while driving or idling.
  • Solution: Check and replace the EGR valve if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission (paired with 1.4L Turbo Engine)

No Issues Found

9-Speed Automatic Transmission (paired with 2.4L Engine)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation when accelerating or shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
  • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM). If the issue persists, transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ (for software update), $3000 - $5000+ (for transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, inability to shift gears, transmission warning light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, uneven tire wear, poor handling. Often affects the struts, shocks, and bushings.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn suspension components (struts, shocks, bushings, control arms, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per component, depending on location and part.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Uconnect System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or lagging of the Uconnect infotainment system. Loss of functionality with navigation, audio, or climate control. Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software update for the Uconnect system. If the issue persists, replacement of the Uconnect module may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update, if available), $500 - $1500+ (for Uconnect module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery is dead every morning or after sitting for a few hours
  • Solution: Replace the battery and check electrical connections
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Hatch Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch will not open.
  • Solution: Replacement of the latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise during operation, or leaks water into the cabin.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2016 Fiat 500X has several known issues. The most concerning are related to the 2.4L engine’s excessive oil consumption and the 9-speed automatic transmission’s rough shifting and potential for failure. Electrical problems with the Uconnect system and suspension component wear are also common. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major engine or transmission repairs, making it important to carefully inspect a used 2016 Fiat 500X and budget for potential repairs.