NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The power inverter module may experience voltage spikes that cause the propulsion system to shut down, resulting in loss of motive power.
This page covers 4 recalls, 16 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Fiat 500e.
116 MPGe combined
Minicompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2013 Fiat 500E generates relatively few complaints given its limited production, but electrical system issues account for the largest share. Owners most often report the propulsion system shutting down unexpectedly, typically accompanied by a dashboard warning, "Service Electric Vehicle System" or "Propulsion System Warning", that leaves the car unable to move, brake, or steer. Several owners describe this happening more than once on the same vehicle within a few months and at low mileage, with the car needing to be flatbedded to a dealer each time. Charging failures also come up, where the vehicle refuses to accept a charge and displays EV system warnings. The engine and fuel/propulsion categories each draw a small number of complaints, but the core pattern is sudden, complete loss of drive power with instrument panel warnings as the consistent accompanying symptom.
16
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Fiat 500E has 4 recalls, all rated at the same severity level and all centered on the same core risk: sudden loss of drive power while the vehicle is in motion.
Three of the four recalls involve the electric propulsion system cutting out unexpectedly. Voltage spikes in the power inverter can cause the propulsion system to shut down mid-drive, leaving the car without power to the wheels. A separate but related issue involves incompatible software between the vehicle's electric control unit and the battery pack control module: if the car enters limp-home mode, that software conflict can trigger a full propulsion shutdown, producing a stall-like situation with no warning. There is also a coolant leak concern specific to certain model years: cooling plates inside the power inverter module can leak coolant into high-voltage circuitry, causing a short circuit that blows a service fuse and cuts drive power entirely. On the mechanical side, the half shafts, which transfer power from the drivetrain to the wheels, can develop loose joints that separate over time. When that happens, the driver may first notice unusual noise, followed by a complete loss of the ability to drive.
At a glance
What can fail
The power inverter module may experience voltage spikes that cause the propulsion system to shut down, resulting in loss of motive power.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power inverter module software at no cost to restore proper propulsion system operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the vehicle enters limp home mode, incompatible software between the Electric Vehicle Control Unit and Battery Pack Control Module can cause the electric propulsion system to shut down completely.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software to ensure the components work together properly, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cooling plates in the Power Inverter Module may leak coolant onto high-voltage electrical circuits, causing a short circuit that blows the service fuse.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Power Inverter Module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fasteners attaching the half shaft inboard joints may loosen and separate, causing noise and loss of driving capability.
What the fix does
Fiat dealers will replace the fasteners attaching the half shaft inboard joints at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.