2020 Fiat 500L

The 2020 Fiat 500L is a compact wagon known for its spacious interior and distinctive Italian styling. It comes equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission option is a six-speed automatic. Owners appreciate the 500L’s quirky design and ample cargo space for its size. Common criticisms include its lackluster fuel economy, outdated infotainment system, and reliability concerns.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine

• Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, check engine light illumination. Can be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause of the misfire using a scan tool. Replace faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the number of parts replaced and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining or whistling noise from the engine compartment, check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Diagnose turbocharger functionality. Replace faulty turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough Shifting/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, slipping during acceleration, difficulty engaging drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, further diagnostics may be required, potentially leading to valve body repair or replacement, or a full transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission not shifting at all, error codes related to TCM.
  • Solution: Diagnose TCM functionality. Replace faulty TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, uneven tire wear, poor handling. Often related to worn struts, shocks, or control arm bushings.
  • Solution: Inspect suspension components for wear and tear. Replace worn struts, shocks, control arm bushings, or other suspension parts as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on the parts replaced and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Uconnect Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, navigation malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In severe cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1000+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic draws on the electrical system. Possible causes include faulty relays, lights remaining on, or a failing alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause and repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, leaking, excessive noise when operating.
  • Solution: Inspect the sunroof mechanism for obstructions or damage. Lubricate moving parts. In severe cases, the sunroof motor or entire assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Fiat 500L presents a mixed bag in terms of reliability. While some owners experience few issues, others report problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system, and suspension. The engine and transmission issues can be costly to repair. The electrical issues surrounding the infotainment system can be a common annoyance. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, as well as factor in the ongoing maintenance requirements for the vehicle.