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2016 Fiat 500 Retro Edition

The 2016 Fiat 500 Retro Edition is a 101-hp 1.4-liter with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $21,295 MSRP and is rated at 34 mpg combined.

It makes 101 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque, spinning to a 6,900 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (34 mpg combined).

The 500 measures 139.6 inches long on a 90.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,366 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$21,295 ($28,837 *)
MSRP with Destination$22,290 ($30,184 *)
Destination Charge$995
Engine
Engine TypeIn-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement1.4 L
Horsepower101 hp
Torque97 lb-ft
Redline6,900 rpm
ValvetrainBelt-driven, MultiAir, SOHC, 16 valves, hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers
Bore and Stroke72.0 x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio10.8:1
Injection TypeSequential, multiport, electronic, returnless
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual (C514)
1st Gear3.909 (35 mph **)
2nd Gear2.174 (63 mph **)
3rd Gear1.345 (102 mph **)
4th Gear0.974 (141 mph **)
5th Gear0.766 (179 mph **)
Reverse3.818
Final Drive3.44
Fuel Economy
City31 MPG
Highway40 MPG
Combined34 MPG
Recommended Fuel87 octane (R+M)/2 acceptable; 91 octane recommended
Tank Capacity10.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson suspension, coil spring with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Rear SuspensionRear twist-beam axle with coil springs and twin-tube shock absorbers
Front Stabilizer BarStandard
Brakes
Front Brake Calipers2.12 in. (54mm) single-piston, aluminum housing
Front Brake Disc10.1 x 0.86 in. (257 x 22mm) vented
Rear Brake Disc9.4 x 0.4 in. (240 x 11mm) solid
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15 in
Wheels Rear15 in
Tires Front185/55R15
Tires Rear185/55R15
Dimensions & Weight
Length139.6 in
Width64.1 in
Height59.8 in
Wheelbase90.6 in
Front Track55.4 in
Rear Track55 in
Ground Clearance4.5 in
Cargo Volume9.5 ft³
Curb Weight2,366 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)63% / 37%
Interior
Headroom Front38.9 in
Headroom Rear35.6 in
Legroom Front40.7 in
Legroom Rear31.7 in
Shoulder Room Front49.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear46.4 in
Hip Room Front47.9 in
Hip Room Rear42.6 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (14.7 % risk)
Tested variant: 2016 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Fiat 500. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 25, 2024 · TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V474000

Jul 3, 2019 · POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY

DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.

Consequence: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.

NHTSA campaign 19E044000

Sep 15, 2016 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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."

Consequence: If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V667000

May 16, 2016 · POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V302000

14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2016 Fiat 500

Owner Complaints

14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Fiat 500 (3 mention a crash, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train8
Electrical System3
Engine3
Service Brakes3
Air Bags2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 22, 2025 · Electrical System, Engine
“El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marcó muchas fallas en las cuales les tomé foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se pegó en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las…”
Jul 12, 2023 · Power Train
“The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred…”
May 13, 2022 · Power Train
“Passenger side drive axle failed on 2016 500e with only 35650 miles but no longer under warranty. Method of failure: Bolts holding axle to transmission sheered resulting in a loss of power. Car was…”
Mar 31, 2020 · Air Bags, Structure, Unknown Or Other Crash 1 injury
“MY VEHICLE WAS T-BONED ON MY DRIVERSIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS GOING 50MPH ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT. I WAS CROSSING THE STREET AT ABOUT 10-15MPH. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG ENGAGED, SIDE…”
Dec 11, 2019 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Service Brakes
“FIAT 500E VEHICLE BRAKING BEHAVIOR IS UNEXPECTEDLY HARD, SUDDEN, OR UNPREDICTABLE UNTIL THE USER USES AN OBD SCAN TOOL WITH APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE- AND INITIATES BRAKE CONTROLLER SENSOR…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2016 FIAT 500. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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