The Fiat 500e Years To Avoid
In this post we rounded up the worst Fiat 500e years to avoid and offer insights into why these models are best avoided.
The Fiat 500e has had a turbulent history in the United States. Initially introduced in 2013 as an electric version of the gas-powered Fiat 500, which arrived in the U.S. in 2011, the 500e was exclusively sold in California. However, Fiat discontinued the 500e in North America in 2019. It wasn’t until late 2022 that the brand announced the new 2024 500e would be making its way to the U.S. market following its European launch earlier that year.
With its small size and zero-emission powertrain, the Fiat 500e presents itself as an ideal solution for urban dwellers and those seeking a more sustainable mode of transportation without compromising on practicality or affordability.
But which years should used car buyers avoid? Today, we rounded up the worst Fiat 500e years to avoid and offer insights into why these models are best avoided. Let’s take a look.
Which Fiat 500e Years to Avoid?
The Fiat 500e has had a relatively short run so far, but some years are more problematic than others, thanks to various owner complaints. The Fiat 500e years to avoid due to reliability woes are:
- 2013 Fiat 500e
- 2014 Fiat 500e
- 2015 Fiat 500e
2013 Fiat 500e
At CoPilot, we generally recommend that buyers avoid the first production years of many car models – and that certainly rings true for the 2013 500e, no thanks to its many reliability issues.
Electrical Problems
For starters, the 2013 Fiat 500e has experienced many problems with its electrical system, which is an issue you can’t afford to ignore in an EV. Drivers have reported that the warning light for the ”service electric vehicle system” comes on unexpectedly, leading to a complete loss of power while driving. This issue has been reported at low mileage and has caused drivers to be stranded in dangerous situations, such as in the middle of busy highways and intersections with fast-moving traffic.
Despite recalls and attempts to fix the software, the issues with the 500e cars persist. Some owners have experienced multiple failures within a short period. Additionally, the unavailability of replacement parts has been an added chore, causing many 500e owners to be unable to drive their cars safely for an extended period while waiting for repairs.
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Engine Woes
Many owners of the 2013 Fiat 500e have reported significant issues with the car’s engine. They have experienced sudden power loss while driving, which is a cause for concern. In one instance, a driver had their fully charged 500e lose power within just 1⁄8 mile of leaving their driveway. The ”service electrical vehicle system” warning light came on, and the car rapidly decelerated, leaving the driver with little time to pull over safely before the vehicle came to a complete stop.
Shockingly, even after a recall that was supposed to address this issue, the problem persisted, with another 500e owner experiencing the same failure just a month after the recall work was completed. These engine failures have occurred at various speeds and charge levels, leaving drivers stranded and at risk of accidents.
2014 Fiat 500e
The 2014 iteration is another problematic model year, and the aforementioned electrical issues seem to be more widespread.
Faulty Electrical System
The 2014 Fiat 500e struggled with even more widespread and severe electrical issues than its predecessor, the 2013 model. Again, numerous owners have reported the dreaded ”service electric vehicle system” warning light appearing, often followed by a complete loss of power while driving, leaving drivers stranded and at risk of accidents. Some have experienced this issue multiple times despite software updates and recalls that were supposed to address the problem. Other electrical concerns include:
- Malfunctioning chargers that have melted outlets
- Difficulty completing recalls due to parts shortages
- Dealer inexperience with the 500e
The prevalence and seriousness of these electrical problems in the 2014 model suggest that Fiat has not adequately addressed the underlying issues from the 2013 version.
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Power Train Issues
The 2014 Fiat 500e has serious drivetrain problems that have caused issues for its owners. The main problem is sudden power loss and stalling while driving, which can put the driver and passengers at risk. Some owners have reported their vehicle stalling multiple times in a day and needing to be towed to the dealership for repairs, even at low mileage. Despite having the P23 recall service performed, some owners still experienced a complete loss of power to the wheels.
These problems are compounded by lengthy delays in completing the necessary recall repairs, with some owners waiting up to 21 months for parts and service. This leaves drivers in the dangerous position of either operating a potentially unsafe vehicle or being unable to legally drive their car due to expired registration tied to unresolved recalls.
The persistent drivetrain issues and the challenges owners face in getting them addressed through recalls suggest that Fiat has not adequately resolved the underlying problems with the 500e’s propulsion system.
2015 Fiat 500e
Another year, another round of electrical problems for the 500e. While the 2015 Fiat 500e may seem like an attractive model to purchase, it’s also riddled with electrical woes.
Electrical System Issues
One of the most alarming problems reported is the ever-familiar total loss of power while driving, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, even at high speeds on the highway. This issue persists even after the ”fix” has been applied.
Other electrical problems include malfunctioning charging systems that prevent the vehicle from starting, requiring owners to resort to unconventional solutions like using a trickle charger on the 12-volt system. Some owners have also reported physical discomfort, such as headaches and tingling sensations, which they attribute to the car’s electrical system.
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Sudden Power Loss
The sudden power loss problem in the 2015 Fiat 500e is a recurring nightmare for owners, echoing the well-known issues that have affected previous model years. Drivers find themselves unexpectedly helpless, their vehicles stalling in the middle of busy intersections or on highways, putting them at grave risk of collisions. Despite Fiat’s attempts to address this critical flaw through recalls and software updates, the problem persists.
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