VehicleVerdict

2013 Fiat 500e problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2013 Fiat 500e — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

24

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other 500e years?

500e NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted24 complaints2013: 24 complaints2014: 24 complaints2015: 18 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 0 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 0 complaints
500e NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500e years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Fiat 500e problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System938%
Fuel System417%
Other313%
Engine313%
Airbags14%
Transmission14%
Brakes14%
Speed Control14%
Body & Structure14%

Does the 2013 Fiat 500e have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V303000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2016 · 16,584 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PIM software, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S26.

15V179000Electrical SystemMarch 27, 2015 · 5,660 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to ensure compatability between components, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R15.

14V235000Electrical SystemMay 7, 2014 · 4,141 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PIM, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P23.

13V358000TransmissionAugust 14, 2013 · 491 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loss of driving capability increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners and Fiat dealers will replace the fasteners attaching the half shaft inboard joints, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2013. Owners may contact Fiat at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's recall number is N51.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“NEW CAR ROLLED AS I SWERVED AND STRUCK A PARKED TRUCK. GOING ONLY 27 MPH THE CAR THEN ROLLED OVER, THE ROOF CRASHED. NO SUDDEN MOMENTS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF BUT GLASS IN THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF SHATTERED. DRIVER THROWN INTO PASSENGER SEAT AND RECEIVED CUTS AND BRUISES. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 3, 2013 · crash

“OUR FIAT DIED THREE TIMES WITHIN A FOUR MONTH PERIOD, SPECIFICALLY ON 6/20/2014 (2,609 MILES), 8/11/2014 (3,101 MILES), AND 10/20/2014 (4,050 MILES). A "SERVICE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEM" WARNING LIGHT APPEARED EACH TIME IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE, STOP, OR STEER. OF THE THREE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 20, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500E. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS AND THE ESC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2014

“THERE IS AN EXISTING RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE TRIED TWICE TO GET IT REPAIRED AT THE NYLE MAXWELL FIAT DEALERSHIP IN AUSTIN TEXAS. THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO MAKE THE REPAIR. THIS IS COMING FROM THE REPAIR MANAGER MR. AUSTIN MORIN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 6, 2017

“NEW CAR ROLLED AS I SWERVED AND STRUCK A PARKED TRUCK. GOING ONLY 27 MPH THE CAR THEN ROLLED OVER, THE ROOF CRASHED. NO SUDDEN MOMENTS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF BUT GLASS IN THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF SHATTERED. DRIVER THROWN INTO PASSENGER SEAT AND RECEIVED CUTS AND BRUISES. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 3, 2013 · crash

2013 Fiat 500e — common questions

Is the 2013 Fiat 500e reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 500e problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints).

Does the 2013 Fiat 500e have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Fiat 500e. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Fiat 500e under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.