Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
4 problems reported (1 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentProhibitively expensive major component repair
- RecurrentLimited dealer support and repair knowledge
Fiat/Chrysler dealers reported to have little to no expertise with the EV drivetrain, complicating repairs.
- IsolatedSevere battery degradation / failure
Cases reported of a 2017 model achieving only 45 miles on a full charge versus an expected 80 miles, with charge dropping 1% per second at steady highway speed.
+ 1 more issueShow fewer
- IsolatedRoutine maintenance on low-mileage examples
Isolated report of a dealership performing arguably unnecessary brake fluid change on a vehicle with only 15,000 km.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as "best." Owner discussions focus on the health of the high-voltage battery as the primary determinant of a good purchase, rather than model year features. The 2016 model year is mentioned in pricing comparisons but without qualitative superiority claims.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, BMW i3, Mini Cooper SE and Kia Soul EV.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation 500e (2013-2019) is widely regarded as a reliable, fun, and practical low-cost urban EV when purchased used at a significant discount ($4,000-$9,000 USD). Long-term owner reports praise its Bosch electric drivetrain for reliability, instant torque, low maintenance costs, and good packaging for city driving and parking. However, this positive view is heavily contingent on securing a healthy battery and is countered by a very frequent and severe criticism: the prohibitive cost and complexity of major repairs, particularly the onboard charger, which is cited as a catastrophic failure point that can total the vehicle. The vehicle's extremely limited range (60-90 miles) is accepted as a known limitation for its intended use case. Sentiment for the newer, more expensive 500e generation mentioned in passing is neutral to negative, with feedback noting its high cost and poor sales performance without detailing ownership experiences.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a low-cost, short-range urban commuter. It is consistently described as cheaper to purchase used than a Nissan Leaf or BMW i3, with a more reliable battery management system (liquid-cooled) than the Leaf. It is considered less practical and with shorter range than a Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Niro EV, or Hyundai Kona EV, which are seen as more capable all-around vehicles. Compared to the Mini Cooper SE, it is viewed as a more affordable but less refined city EV. The consensus is that it represents exceptional value only at the lowest price points and for very specific, range-limited use cases.
Recommended configurations
A used vehicle with a verified healthy battery is the paramount recommendation. Owners strongly advise using a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and the AlfaOBD app to check battery state of health before purchase. A vehicle with a working 12-volt battery is noted as important. No specific drivetrain or trim configurations are discussed.
General recommendations
Suitable exclusively as a second car for predictable, short urban commutes with reliable home or workplace Level 1 (110V) charging. Ideal for buyers seeking the lowest possible entry point into EV ownership who can accept the range limitation. NOT recommended as a primary vehicle, for highway commuting, or for drivers with unpredictable daily mileage. Essential to verify battery health independently before purchase, as dealer diagnostics are reported to be unreliable. Potential buyers should be aware of extremely limited dealer support for the EV drivetrain and should research the independent repair community for resources. Purchase is only justified at deep discounts ($4k-$9k USD) due to high catastrophic repair risk and low resale value.
Remarks
The dominant theme in owner discussions is the extreme financial risk posed by a major component failure, which dramatically depresses the used market value and creates a "fear" among buyers. This is contrasted by multiple reports of trouble-free long-term ownership when such failures do not occur. The electric drivetrain (Bosch) and liquid-cooled battery are noted as reliable, with one owner reporting no degradation over 4 years and 35,000 miles. The vehicle's future in the US market is noted as discontinued, which may further impact parts availability and support. Analysis based on owner discussions spanning purchase advice, problem reports, and multi-year ownership experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2016Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 4 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2015 | 11 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 16 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2013 | 16 | 4 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices12 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2024 · air bags:frontalcampaign 24V510000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
2024 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 25V715000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Fiat 500e Battery Electric (BEV) vehicles. The headlight horizontal aim adjustment is not covered as intended, which can result in improperly adjusted headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2016 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 16V303000
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.
2015 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 16V303000
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.
2015 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 15V179000
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.
2014 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 14V235000
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.
2014 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 15V179000
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.
2014 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 16V303000
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.
2013 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 16V303000
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.
2013 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 14V235000
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.
2013 · power traincampaign 13V358000
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.
2013 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 15V179000
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.