The Fiat 500L, with its distinctive design and focus on practicality, has carved a niche for itself in the compact MPV segment. However, like any vehicle, certain model years offer a better ownership experience than others. This guide provides a detailed look at the best and worst years of the Fiat 500L, helping you make an informed decision when considering a purchase.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different model years can save you from potential headaches and ensure you enjoy the versatility and charm the 500L offers. Let's dive into the specifics.
| Model Year | Key Strengths | Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Initial model year, distinctive styling, spacious interior. | Transmission issues (especially DCT), electrical glitches, infotainment system bugs, poor reliability ratings. |
| 2015 | Minor improvements over 2014, slightly better reliability. | Still prone to transmission issues (DCT), some electrical problems, continued infotainment system concerns, below average reliability. |
| 2016 | Further refinements, improved interior materials. | DCT transmission remains a weak point, continued electrical issues, infotainment system lagging, reliability still below average. |
| 2017 | Minor styling updates, improved features. | DCT transmission persists as a concern, some electrical gremlins, infotainment system slow, reliability remains a concern. |
| 2018 | Significant redesign, updated styling, improved infotainment system. | Turbocharger issues reported, some electrical problems linger, reliability still not outstanding but improved compared to earlier years. |
| 2019 | Continued improvements based on the 2018 redesign. | Turbocharger problems, electrical quirks, overall reliability still not top-tier, but better than pre-2018 models. |
| 2020 | Similar to 2019, refined features. | Turbocharger concerns remain possible, electrical issues reported, reliability still not class-leading, but a decent choice. |
| 2021 | Final year of production in North America. | Potential for end-of-production quality control dips, turbocharger and electrical issues remain possible, limited availability of parts in the future might become a problem. |
Detailed Explanations
2014: The inaugural year for the Fiat 500L, it introduced the model's unique styling and spacious interior to the market. However, this model year suffered from a range of issues including transmission problems, particularly with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), electrical glitches, and a buggy infotainment system, resulting in poor reliability ratings.
2015: Building upon the 2014 model, the 2015 Fiat 500L incorporated minor improvements. While slightly better than its predecessor, it still faced similar issues, including transmission problems, electrical concerns, and an underperforming infotainment system. Reliability remained a significant concern.
2016: The 2016 model year brought further refinements to the Fiat 500L, including improved interior materials. However, the DCT transmission continued to be a weak point, and electrical issues persisted. The infotainment system remained slow and unresponsive, and overall reliability remained below average.
2017: The 2017 Fiat 500L received minor styling updates and feature enhancements. Despite these improvements, the DCT transmission remained a significant concern, and some electrical gremlins continued to plague the model. The infotainment system's performance was still lagging, and reliability remained a concern.
2018: The 2018 model year marked a significant redesign for the Fiat 500L, featuring updated styling and an improved infotainment system. However, turbocharger issues were reported, and some electrical problems lingered. While reliability was not outstanding, it was improved compared to earlier years. This is generally considered the turning point for the 500L.
2019: Continuing the improvements introduced in 2018, the 2019 Fiat 500L offered further refinements. Despite these enhancements, turbocharger problems remained a potential issue, and some electrical quirks persisted. Overall reliability was still not top-tier, but it was better than pre-2018 models.
2020: Similar to the 2019 model, the 2020 Fiat 500L featured refined features and improvements. However, turbocharger concerns remained possible, and electrical issues were still reported. While reliability was not class-leading, it was a decent choice compared to earlier models.
2021: The final year of production for the Fiat 500L in North America, the 2021 model year carried the potential for end-of-production quality control dips. Turbocharger and electrical issues remained possible, and the limited availability of parts in the future might become a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Fiat 500L year is the most reliable? The 2019 and 2020 models generally offer the best balance of features and reliability, benefiting from the 2018 redesign improvements. While not class-leading, their reliability is notably better than earlier years.
What are the most common problems with the Fiat 500L? Common issues include transmission problems (especially with the DCT), electrical glitches, turbocharger failures, and infotainment system malfunctions, particularly in pre-2018 models. The DCT transmission is a particular source of complaints.
Should I avoid the early Fiat 500L models? Generally, it's advisable to avoid the 2014-2017 models due to their higher incidence of transmission, electrical, and infotainment issues, leading to overall lower reliability. The 2018 and later models are generally considered more reliable.
Is the Fiat 500L expensive to maintain? The Fiat 500L can be more expensive to maintain than some other vehicles in its class, particularly if major repairs are needed on the transmission or turbocharger. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help mitigate costs.
Does the Fiat 500L have good fuel economy? The Fiat 500L offers reasonable fuel economy for its class, typically averaging around 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, actual fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions and maintenance.
Is the Fiat 500L a good family car? The Fiat 500L can be a good choice for small families due to its spacious interior and versatile seating arrangements. However, potential reliability issues should be considered, especially when purchasing older models.
Conclusion
Choosing the right year for your Fiat 500L can significantly impact your ownership experience. While the early models (2014-2017) offer the lowest prices, the potential for costly repairs makes them less desirable. Opting for a 2018 or later model generally provides a more reliable and enjoyable ownership experience, with the 2019 and 2020 models striking a good balance between features and dependability.