DecodedCars2013 Fiat 500e
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 87 mi · 4 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 150 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 87 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Fiat 500e is a minicompact car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 87 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500e EV | 82 kW ACIPM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 87 mi · 29 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Fiat 500e.
Similar 2013 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Fiat 500e (this car) | 87 mi | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Subaru BRZ | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Fiat 500 | 34 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Scion iQ | 37 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Scion FR-S | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · May 16, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V303000 · 16,584 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Mar 27, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V179000 · 5,660 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An electric propulsion system shut down will cause a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · May 7, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V235000 · 4,141 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the service fuse blows, the vehicle would have a loss of propulsion while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train · Aug 14, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V358000 · 491 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of driving capability increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2013 Fiat 500e is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Fiat 500e buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,679 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 87 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Fiat 500e. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 500e years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 500e | 149 mi | 142.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 500e | 149 mi | 142.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 500e | 149 mi | 142.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2019 500e | 84 mi | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 500e | 84 mi | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 500e | 84 mi | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 500e | 84 mi | – | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 500e | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2014 500e | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →