VehicleVerdict

2016 Fiat 500e problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2016 Fiat 500e — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other 500e years?

500e NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted24 complaints2013: 24 complaints2014: 24 complaints2015: 18 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 0 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 0 complaints
500e NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500e years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Fiat 500e problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System350%
Lighting233%
Transmission117%

Does the 2016 Fiat 500e have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500E. The contact stated that the vehicle could not immediately be started. The "Service Electrical System" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500E. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. THE BRAKE LIGHT WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: "RIGHT STOP LIGHT OUT". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 7, 2018

“CAR STOPPED WHILE WAITING AT INTERSECTION FOR NO REASON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME CAR STARTED AND RESUMED DRIVING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 11, 2016

2016 Fiat 500e — common questions

Is the 2016 Fiat 500e reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Fiat 500e have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Fiat 500e. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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.