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 centered on the electric drivetrain losing power while driving, which raises the risk of a crash.
Three of the recalls involve the power inverter and its supporting systems: voltage spikes can cause the inverter to shut down abruptly, coolant can leak from the inverter's cooling plates into high-voltage circuitry and blow a fuse, and a software conflict between the vehicle's control modules can cause the propulsion system to cut out entirely when the car enters a reduced-power mode. In each case, the result is the same: the car loses drive power unexpectedly. The fourth recall covers the front axle half shafts, which can loosen and separate, producing noise and leaving the car unable to move under its own power.
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.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power inverter module software at no cost to restore proper propulsion system operation.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
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.
