Fiat 500L: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 5,227 Fiat 500L cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1958 and 2021.
In a sample of 393 cars, 72.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is steering dust boot damaged, not sealing (18.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 1 recalls for this model; 0% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Fiat 500L
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Steering dust boot damaged, not sealing | 18.3% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 14.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 14.8% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 14.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 12.5% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 11.7% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 8.9% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 6.1% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 4.6% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 4.3% |
Share of 393 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 10.9% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 10.2% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 5,227 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1958 to 2021 |
All Fiat 500L passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-11-06 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 44 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Fiat 500L fail the APK?
In a sample of 393 cars first registered 2012–2021, 72.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Fiat 500L?
The most common APK defects are: steering dust boot damaged, not sealing (18.3%), tyre tread depth insufficient (14.8%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (14.8%).
Does the Fiat 500L have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 1 recalls. 0% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Fiat models
500 · Panda · Punto · 500X · Ducato · Doblo · Seicento · Bravo · Tipo · Abarth · 600
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.