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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2016 Fiat 500X Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
50about this part
Share
32%of 154 total for the year
Median mileage
38,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Fiat 500X, 32% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving my Fiat 500X, it jerks when it's shifting gears or accelerating. I took it into the dealership and there was a bulletin concerning the transmission I believe. But whatever update was done, it did not take care of the problem. I've looked for info regarding this issue and have found there are several other people having the same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11309789, filed 2020-02, 40,000 miles

“The car randomly jumps into neutral while driving down the road. I must try to coast to the shoulder, as the dash is telling me to press the brake pedal to put the car in gear. Once I've stopped I have to move the gear shift to park, shut the car off and restart it.”

NHTSA complaint #11366363, filed 2020-10, 98,000 miles

“Transmission kicks from first to second at take off after stops. Usually traffic lights. I have taken the car in for service twice, the kick doesn't happen all the time anymore, but it still happens. It's a concern since I've almost been rear ended twice.”

NHTSA complaint #11281038, filed 2019-11, 301,105 miles

“I received the error message drive mode unavailable with a service engine message after my last regular service appointment and oil change. My car is at 27,400 miles and after throwing that code barely could make it up a residential hill. After the local service department claimed to have fixed it, 3 miles down the road the message popped up again and driving was difficult. My local dealership has had my Fiat 500X now the second time since december 1st with no updates for me.”

NHTSA complaint #11054070, filed 2017-12, 27,400 miles

“I was driving down the highway in a middle lane going about 50mph when I noticed the car was no longer responsive to gas or steering. Brakes were harder to press than usual & I realized the car had turned itself off. The only way I could get it started again was to come to a complete stop & put it in park, re-start, disengage the auto-emergency brake, then put it in drive. All while cars were flying around the bend of the highway almost hitting me and almost hitting each other trying to avoid hitting me.”

NHTSA complaint #11073180, filed 2018-02, 17,047 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018436%
201716%
20165032%

Other parts of the 2016 Fiat 500X

Engine
52 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Fiat 500X

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology