VehicleVerdict

2015 Fiat 500e problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2015 Fiat 500e — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other 500e years?

500e NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted24 complaints2013: 24 complaints2014: 24 complaints2015: 18 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 0 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 0 complaints
500e NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500e years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Fiat 500e problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System844%
Fuel System422%
Engine211%
Airbags16%
Other16%
Transmission16%
Visibility & Wipers16%

Does the 2015 Fiat 500e have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND STALLED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE SIDE. CAR WAS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD. FIAT CHRYSLER HAS KNOWN ABOUT DEFECT FOR YEARS BUT CHOOSE TO HIDE DEFECT INSTEAD OF RECALL/FIXING. THEY DID RECALL ONLY AFTER DUMPING HUNDREDS IN A GROUP LEASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 22, 2015

“CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND STALLED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE SIDE. CAR WAS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD. FIAT CHRYSLER HAS KNOWN ABOUT DEFECT FOR YEARS BUT CHOOSE TO HIDE DEFECT INSTEAD OF RECALL/FIXING. THEY DID RECALL ONLY AFTER DUMPING HUNDREDS IN A GROUP LEASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 22, 2015

“3 DAYS AFTER DRIVING MY NEW FIAT 500E WHICH I AM LEASING , I BEGAN TO NOTICE EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE PHYSICAL SENSATIONS. THE ONLY THING I CAN COMPARE IT TO IS TAKING ON AN OLD CELLPHONE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. IT'S A SIMILAR KIND OF FEELING OF POWER AND RADIATION. I HAVE TAKEN AT LEAST 10…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 25, 2015

“CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND STALLED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE SIDE. CAR WAS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD. FIAT CHRYSLER HAS KNOWN ABOUT DEFECT FOR YEARS BUT CHOOSE TO HIDE DEFECT INSTEAD OF RECALL/FIXING. THEY DID RECALL ONLY AFTER DUMPING HUNDREDS IN A GROUP LEASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 22, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500E. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 25, 2015 · crash

2015 Fiat 500e — common questions

Is the 2015 Fiat 500e reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2015 500e problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2015 Fiat 500e have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Fiat 500e. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 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.