DecodedCars2018 Fiat 500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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 turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 139.8–144.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,355–2,491 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2018 minicompact car (22.9 MPG).
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 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Fiat 500 is a minicompact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine 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 30 MPG combined (28 city / 33 highway), 31% better than the 2018 minicompact car average of 22.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seats.
What changed for 2018
- Engine dropped: 1.4L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 34 to 30
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 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 turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +31% | $2,750 | 292 |
| 500 Abarth | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +31% | $2,750 | 292 |
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +18% | $3,050 | 326 |
| 500 Abarth | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +18% | $3,050 | 326 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
Similar 2018 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Fiat 500 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Fiat 500e | 84 mi | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 MINI John Cooper Works | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2018 Fiat 500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Fiat 500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 12,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2016 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2015 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 92 |
| 2014 500 | 33 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 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 →