500E (2013)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Fiat 500E Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2013 Fiat 500E
That's below the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.5 per year). Battery & propulsion complaints are lower than peer average for this category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 4 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery & propulsion recalls (3)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Fiat 500e vehicles manufactured March 22, 2012, to January 29, 2016. The power inverter module (PIM) may experience voltage spikes which can cause the propulsion system to shut down and loss of motive power.
Consequence: Loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Fiat 500e Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) vehicles manufactured September 24, 2012, through April 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have cooling plates for the Power Inverter Module (PIM) that may leak coolant into areas of the high voltage circuitry, resulting a short circuit that could cause the related service fuse to blow.
Consequence: If the service fuse blows, the vehicle would have a loss of propulsion while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 EV vehicles manufactured March 27, 2012, to November 1, 2014. If the vehicle goes in to limp home mode, incompatible software between Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) and Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) may cause the electric propulsion system to fully shut down.
Consequence: An electric propulsion system shut down will cause a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2013] AS WE PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, THE CAR MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND LOST POWER TO THE DRIVE SYSTEM. THE DASHBOARD IMMEDIATELY DISPLAYED A "PROPULSION SYSTEM WARNING" MESSAGE AND COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. THE CAR WAS TOWED (FLAT BED) TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. AFTER A WEEK, AND THE DEALER'S TECHS TALKING WITH TECHNICIANS IN DETROIT, DETROIT SUGGESTED REPLACING THE
- [2013] THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO MY FIRST COMPLAINT, FILED ON 07/01/14. ON 08/16/14 MY FIAT WAS TOWED FOR THE 3RD TIME TO CONCORD OF FIAT. THE FIRST TIME THE POWER INVERTER MODULE WAS REPLACED (RECALL), THE SECOND TIME THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED, THE THIRD TIME THE POWER INVERTER MODULE (RECALL) WAS REPLACED, FOR THE SECOND TIME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE CHRYSLER ARBITRATION DEPARTMENT. I WILL BE
- [2013] FIAT INITIATED RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED JULY 10TH. LETTER STATED TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS AFTER JULY 21ST. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AUGUST 13TH AND THERE IS NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR WHEN THE DEFECT WILL BE FIXED. THE DEFECT CAN CAUSE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND RESULT IN SEVER ACCIDENTS. I FIND IT NEGLIGENT OF FIAT/CHRYSLER BEING UNABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IN A TIMELY MANN
High-Voltage Battery
- [2013] THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO MY FIRST COMPLAINT, FILED ON 07/01/14. ON 08/16/14 MY FIAT WAS TOWED FOR THE 3RD TIME TO CONCORD OF FIAT. THE FIRST TIME THE POWER INVERTER MODULE WAS REPLACED (RECALL), THE SECOND TIME THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED, THE THIRD TIME THE POWER INVERTER MODULE (RECALL) WAS REPLACED, FOR THE SECOND TIME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE CHRYSLER ARBITRATION DEPARTMENT. I WILL BE
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Fiat 500E regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Fiat 500e vehicles manufactured March 22, 2012, to January 29, 2016. The power inverter module (PIM) may experience voltage spikes which can cause the propulsion system to shut down and loss of motive power.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 EV vehicles manufactured March 27, 2012, to November 1, 2014. If the vehicle goes in to limp home mode, incompatible software between Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) and Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) may cause the electric propulsion system to fully shut down.
Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Fiat 500e Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) vehicles manufactured September 24, 2012, through April 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have cooling plates for the Power Inverter Module (PIM) that may leak coolant into areas of the high voltage circuitry, resulting a short circuit that could cause the related service fuse to blow.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Fiat 500e electric vehicles manufactured December 16, 2012, through August 13, 2013. The half shaft joints may loosen and separate causing noise and a loss of driving capability.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2013-2013 Fiat 500E problems?
The 2013-2013 Fiat 500E has accumulated 16 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Fuel System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Fiat 500E engine is most reliable?
The 2013-2013 Fiat 500E was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Fiat 500E Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2013-2013 Fiat 500E a good used car?
The 2013-2013 Fiat 500E can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 16 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2013 Fiat 500E have?
The 2013-2013 Fiat 500E has 16 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2013-2013 Fiat 500E?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2013-2013 Fiat 500E vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Fiat 500E?
Before buying a used Fiat 500E, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Fuel System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the 500E have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2013 Fiat 500E. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 16 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-05-23.