DecodedCars2014 Fiat 500 L
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 500l 4dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Trekking/Lounge
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 167.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,254 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Fiat 500 L is a small station wagon offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,254 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 12% better than the 2014 small station wagon average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500l 4dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Trekking/Lounge | 167.3 in | 70.5 in | 65 in | 102.8 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,254 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 L | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +12% | $2,950 | 318 |
| 500 L | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +8% | $3,050 | 331 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Fiat 500 L.
Similar 2014 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Fiat 500 L (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Honda Fit | 82 mi | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Nissan Juke | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Kia Soul | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2014 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Mar 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V192000 · 25,583 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration maybe incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when accelerator pedal is fully pressed.
- Risk
- If the vehicle does not accelerate as expected, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2017. Owners may the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is T19.
Air Bags › Knee Bolster · Aug 6, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V481000 · 25,479 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P42.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Mar 4, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V103000 · 18,100 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 5, 2013, through January 22, 2014. In certain temperatures, moving the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a transmission gear.
- Risk
- If there is no effect, the vehicle might not shift out of the Park position. If there is a delayed effect, the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter module or update the shifter software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P06.
Not every 2014 Fiat 500 L is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Fiat 500 L buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 113 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 26 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Fiat 500 L. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 500 L years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 500 L | 25 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 500 L | 25 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 500 L | 28 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2015 500 L | 28 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 23 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →