NHTSA Complaint #11711355 — 2016 FIAT 500X

I am submitting this complaint to report a failure related to an emissions recall repair. The vehicle identified by VIN [XXX] was fully operable, properly maintained, and in excellent condition prior to an emissions recall repair performed by an authorized dealership. Immediately after the recall “fix” was completed, the vehicle began experiencing serious operational problems and became undrivable. The servicing dealership towed the vehicle and attempted an additional repair. After the vehicle was returned, it failed again on its first use and is now completely inoperable. Despite the fact that this failure occurred only after the recall repair, the dealership and manufacturer are refusing to assume responsibility for towing and correction unless the owner pays to have the vehicle towed more than 75 miles to another location. We do not believe it is appropriate for the owner to bear the cost of correcting a defect that arose directly from recall work. Another authorized dealership has advised that responsibility remains with the dealer that performed the recall repair. The original servicing dealer has now stated they are “not responsible,” despite having performed the recall work. This situation has left the vehicle undrivable and created a significant hardship, and we believe it represents a recall remedy failure. I spoke with the service manager at the dealership and he said it is up to me to prove that they did the damage to the car. The vehicle was operable before the recall repair The vehicle became inoperable immediately after the recall repair The recall is still showing as open The dealer already acknowledged a problem by towing it once and attempting a second repair That establishes prima facie responsibility. In plain English: 👉 Cause-and-effect is already evident. We are requesting that NHTSA document this issue and review the manufacturer’s handling of this recall repair. Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F