DecodedCars2016 Fiat 500 L
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints2 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 122 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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), 2% better than the 2016 small station wagon average of 27.4 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 500 L — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 500 L →
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 | +2% | $2,950 | 316 |
| 500 L | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 354 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Fiat 500 L.
Similar 2016 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Fiat 500 L (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Honda Fit | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Nissan Juke | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Kia Soul | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Fiat 500 L.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Fiat 500 L is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Fiat 500 L buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 500 L | 28 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 23 |
| 2014 500 L | 28 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 158 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →