DecodedCars2016 Fiat 500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2 Dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Lounge, 2 Dr Hatchback Turbo/Abarth, C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Pop/Lounge, C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Turbo/Abarth
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 31 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 139.8–144.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,355–2,491 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 50% better than the average 2016 minicompact car (22.7 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Fiat 500 is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl and 1.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 140 inches long and 64 inches wide on a 91-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,355 lb (2 Dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Lounge).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (31 city / 38 highway), 50% better than the 2016 minicompact car average of 22.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 14 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 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 500 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Lounge | 139.8 in | 64.2 in | 59.8 in | 90.6 in | 55.9 / 55.1 in | 2,355 lb | 62/38 |
| 2 Dr Hatchback Turbo/Abarth | 144.5 in | 64.2 in | 59.1 in | 90.6 in | 55.5 / 55.5 in | 2,491 lb | 62/38 |
| C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Pop/Lounge | 139.8 in | 64.2 in | 59.8 in | 90.6 in | 55.9 / 55.1 in | 2,421 lb | 63/37 |
| C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Turbo/Abarth | 144.5 in | 64.2 in | 59.1 in | 90.6 in | 55.5 / 55.5 in | 2,491 lb | 62/38 |
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 | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 38 / 34 | +50% | $2,400 | 264 |
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +32% | $2,750 | 299 |
| 500 Abarth | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +32% | $2,750 | 299 |
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +28% | $2,850 | 300 |
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +19% | $3,050 | 326 |
| 500 Abarth | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +19% | $3,050 | 326 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
Similar 2016 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Fiat 500 (this car) | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Fiat 500e | 84 mi | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Jun 25, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V474000 · 12,675 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Risk
- A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Sep 15, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V667000 · 32 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is S69.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · May 16, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V302000 · 39,185 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch gears.
- Risk
- If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The remedy for this recall will include the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S34.
Not every 2016 Fiat 500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Fiat 500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 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 2016 Fiat 500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 500 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 500 | 30 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 500 | 30 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2017 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 14 |
| 2015 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 92 |
| 2014 500 | 33 | 139.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 107 |
| 2013 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 150 |
| 2012 500 | 32 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 335 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →