If you have a Fiat 500x, then it’s important to be aware of the warranty extension and recalls that are currently in effect. The Fiat 500 engine is covered under a factory warranty, but owners can extend that warranty via Mopar. Keep reading for more information on this recall, how to get the issue repaired and how to extend the factory warranty.
Overview of the Fiat 500 Engine Cooling Fan
The engine cooling fan in your Fiat 500 helps to cool the engine by circulating air around it. If the engine cooling fan is not working properly, the engine can overheat and become damaged.
Recall Information
One known fan recall covers the 2016 and 2017 Fiat 500X model cars. The issue is possible excessive friction between the motor bushing and the shaft due to poor lubrication. This issue can result in a loud fan motor that can eventually break. In addition, when a fan motor fails, it can cause the engine to overheat.
There is also a recall for 2012-2016 Fiat 500 model cars due to an issue with the transmission. The 2013-2015 Fiat 500e models have a recall for issues with the propulsion system.
If you have a Fiat 500 with any of the above issues, you should take it to a dealer to have the car repaired. This is important as the factory warranty on this has passed and cannot be fixed for free otherwise.
Warranty Information
Fiat currently offers a 4-year / 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on all new vehicles. This warranty covers the powertrain, which includes the engine fan. This type of coverage is uncommon with most vehicle brands as they often separate the powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, the warranty for the affected years has expired and any repairs will need to be done at an out of pocket cost.
Recall Repairs
If you have a Fiat which falls under this recall, it will be repaired free of charge, including parts and labor. The estimated repair time is one and a half hours; however, the dealer will need time to check-in your Fiat properly before performing the required repairs. Therefore, scheduling an appointment with your local Fiat dealer is recommended to ensure this is fixed in a timely fashion.
If you have already resolved the issue and paid for the service, you may be eligible to have the cost reimbursed. Owners will need to complete the form found here, and Fiat will send the refund within 60 days.
Warranty Extension
Fiat has not offered a warranty extension due to this issue. Many companies will do this if the problem is deemed severe enough; however, Fiat has felt this is not the case. Once a Fiat dealer has repaired or replaced the fan, owners can extend the warranty via a Mopar Vehicle Protection Plan.
Extending the Warranty
An extended warranty covers the vehicle after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. In addition, an extended warranty can cover repairs or replacement of parts not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Fiat offers extended warranties via Mopar, the service and parts division for all FCA brands in the United States, including Fiat, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and more. Owners can purchase these extended warranties while the original 4-year / 50,000-mile warranty still covers the car or even after it has expired.
Mopar Vehicle Protection offers two different extended warranty plans to choose from. These plans are called Added Care Plus and Maximum Care.
Added Care Plus is an extension of the original 4-year / 50,000-mile warranty. This plan covers more than 850 components on the vehicle and has different deductible options. The plans range from five to eight years and include the option to choose from 60,000 to 150,000 miles. Other perks include:
- $100 Towing and Roadside Assistance
- Trip Interruption Protection
- Key Fob Replacement
- First-Day Rental Coverage
- Car Rental Allowance
Maximum Care is a more comprehensive plan that covers over 8,000 components on the vehicle. This addition is more like the bumper-to-bumper coverage included in the original warranty. The plan covers the entire car except for the following:
- General Maintenance
- Glass
- Paint and Trim
- Manual Transmission Clutch
- Brakes
- Engine Belts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Fiat still under warranty?
Fiat has built a FIAT Brand Vehicle Dashboard for tracking maintenance records, warranties, and more. Additionally, you can check the warranty by entering your VIN if you still need to set up an account.
Does Fiat offer an extended warranty?
Fiat offers an extended warranty through their Mopar Vehicle Protection plan. Mopar is the division of FCA, which handles parts and services.
How do I know if I have an extended warranty?
If you have an extended warranty, it should be listed on your maintenance records. You can also check the Mopar warranty information site to see the current status.
How long is a warranty extension?
The length of an extended warranty varies depending on the purchased plan. For example, some plans extend coverage for 5 years / 60,000 miles while others extend coverage for eight years / 150,000 miles.
Final Thoughts
Fiat owners should know the engine fan recall for the 2016 and 2017 Fiat 500X model cars. This repair is covered under the 4-year / 50,000-mile warranty and can also be repaired if the vehicle is out of warranty courtesy of Fiat. If Fiat owners want to extend their warranty, they can do so via a Mopar Vehicle Protection plan, as there is no warranty extension due to the recall.
Sources
Koscs, J. (2022, October 14). Fiat Warranty: Coverage Plans & Exceptions (2022). Motor 1. https://www.motor1.com/products-services/auto-warranty/fiat-warranty/
Added Care Plus For New Vehicles. (n.d.). https://www.mopar.com/content/dam/mopar/pdf/mvp/2019-05%20Added%20Care%20Plus.pdf.
Official Mopar Site | Owner Vehicle Dashboard. (n.d.). https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/dashboard/details.html
Fiat 500X Recall V54 – Engine Cooling Fan. (n.d.). http://www.fiat500usaforum.com/showthread.php?35013-Fiat-500X-Recall-V54-Engine-Cooling-Fan
FIAT® Official Site | Warranty Information. (n.d.). Fiatusa. https://www.fiatusa.com/warranty.html
Contact Us – Reimbursement Form. (n.d.). https://www.chrysler.com/webselfservice/fcanorth/VinInputForm.jsp
John Alois has been a freelance automotive writer for the last three years. He’s been a car lover since he was a kid, spending much of his youth working on a variety of cars with his father. He’s happy to be part of the FIXD team, helping readers learn more about the automotive world.
