DecodedCars2015 Fiat 500 L
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 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
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints23 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 271 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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 2015 small station wagon average of 27.5 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 500 L — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 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 (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 330 |
| 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 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Fiat 500 L.
Similar 2015 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Fiat 500 L (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Honda Fit | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2015 Nissan Juke | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Kia Soul | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2015 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Sep 23, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V590000 · 15 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 23, 2015, to May 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a passenger frontal air bag that was not folded properly during the assembly process. As a result, the air bag may not deploy as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not inflate as designed, the front seat occupant is at an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Fiat customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is R54.
Air Bags › Knee Bolster · Aug 6, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V481000 · 25,479 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P42.
Not every 2015 Fiat 500 L is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Fiat 500 L buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- 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 20,696 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 2015 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 |
| 2016 500 L | 28 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 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 →