Fiat's lineup has 62 recorded NHTSA recalls across 11 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.4/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Fiat's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Fiat — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Fiat, originating from Italy, has a long and storied history of producing compact, stylish, and often surprisingly sporty vehicles. Known for their practical design and enthusiastic following, Fiats have traditionally been favored by drivers seeking a fun and engaging driving experience. At ForCar.org, we can decode any FIAT VIN to reveal comprehensive vehicle specifications, recall information, and a wealth of detailed data about your car’s history.
Buying or selling? See what used Fiat models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Fiat models 11
Every Fiat model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Fiat Cars & sedans 4
Fiat More models 7
Fiat recalls
Across the Fiat lineup, ForCar tracks 62 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Fiat recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Fiat model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fiat 500 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Fiat 500X | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Fiat 500L | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Fiat 124 Spider | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Fiat 500e | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Fiat: Power Train:manual Transmission:floor Shift Assembly. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Fiat reliable?
Across rated models, Fiat averages a 4.4/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 11 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Fiat competes in subcompact and compact passenger segments globally, with strongest presence in Italy, Brazil, Turkey and parts of Europe. US presence is minimal — the 500e is the only Fiat sold in the United States as of 2024 — and the brand serves primarily as Stellantis's entry-level Italian flagship within a portfolio that includes Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia and (more globally) Peugeot, Citroën and Opel.
Fiat models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Fiat model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fiat 500 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Fiat 500L | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Fiat 500X | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Fiat 124 Spider | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Fiat 500e | 4.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Fiat models
The most fuel-efficient Fiat models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fiat 500 | Car | |
| 02 | Fiat 500e | Car | |
| 03 | Fiat 124 Spider | Car | |
| 04 | Fiat 500X | Car | |
| 05 | Fiat 500L | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Fiat models
Fiat models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Fiat model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500 | ★★★★☆ | 4.0 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
See how they rank against every make — the safest cars & SUVs by crash-test score.
How much is Fiat insurance?
Across 3 Fiat models with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $1,192 a year on full coverage. The 500 is cheapest to insure (≈ $985/yr) and the 500L priciest (≈ $1,537/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.
Fiat insurance cost by model & state →
Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.
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Fiat hybrids & electric models
Fiat's electrified lineup — 4 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Fiat electric & plug-in 4
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Fiat window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Fiat's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Fiat window stickers →How to read a Fiat VIN
Every Fiat built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Fiat and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Fiat
Giovanni Agnelli and a syndicate of Turin investors registered Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino on July 11, 1899. The 1936 Topolino made motoring accessible to Italian workers, and the 1957 Nuova 500 became one of post-war Europe's defining cars, with 3.8 million units produced through 1975. Fiat dominated Italian sales throughout the 20th century and acquired Chrysler's controlling stake during the 2009 US auto bailout, completing full ownership in 2014.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1899 |
| Headquarters | Turin, Italy |
| Parent company | Stellantis |
| Slogan | "Driven by passion" |
| Models tracked | 11 (1981–2026) |
Fiat — frequently asked
How do I decode a Fiat VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Fiat models are there?
ForCar tracks 11 Fiat models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Fiat made?
Fiat is headquartered in Turin, Italy, founded in 1899. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Fiat recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Fiat model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Fiat is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Fiat warranty?
New Fiat vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Fiat dealer.