According to the 2022 Driver Power Satisfaction Survey, Fiat was the least reliable car brand. Nonetheless, the Fiat 500e is set to change this rating as it is slightly more reliable than its siblings. But what are the common problems with Fiat 500e?
Common problems with the Fiat 500e are battery problems, charging issues, software problems, transmission issues, and electrical problems. Even though the range of the car is not considered a problem, the Fiat 500e has a very short range compared to its competitors, which can be a problem for some people.
What are the common problems with the Fiat 500e?
Software problems
Fiat had to recall over 16,500 flagship electric 500e because of a software malfunction that could lead to the danger of crashing. Most Fiat 500e models that were recalled were made between 2013 and 2016. Fiat stated that these cars had voltage spikes in the power inverter module that could cause the propulsion system to shut down and lose motive power.
It is vital to note that a loss of motive power can increase the likelihood of the car colliding. Besides, it is also worth noting that owners or users of the Fiat 500e never raised the issue as the company performed a routine inspection and noted the problem.
Battery problems
Another common problem that Fiat 500e users should be ready to deal with is battery problems. Some of them include quick battery drainage, battery draining when the car is turned off, and the battery getting depleted while driving.
If you’re having such problems, you should check the alternator, cables for the battery, and the status of the battery. If the alternator is bad, replace it. Ensure the alternator is tested at a parts store. Besides, you should also have the battery tested and replaced if it is bad. Finally, if it’s the cables causing the problem, check if they have any corrosion and clean them up.
Electrical issues
If you’re having electrical issues in your car, the first culprit to look at is the battery. But if the battery is working okay, then there is a chance that the wire harness is damaged or broken. To fix such a problem, you will have to take the car to a mechanic for inspection.
Note that most wiring harness issues are not fixed under warranty. Besides, you may have to replace the entire wiring harness system. This may cost you between $1,800 and $4,000, depending on your location.
Charging problems
Several users have reported having difficulty using other types of chargers. Note that Fiat provides Fiat 500e users with a Fiat EVSE charger that charges the car at level-1. One user tried using the Clipper-creek LCS-25 EVSE charger at home and it couldn’t charge their car.
To avoid having such issues, you should ensure that you acquire or use a compatible charger with your Fiat 500e. For instance, LCS-25 EVSE works with the 500e very well. Note that the LCS-25 EVSE is a level-2 charger.
Transmission problems
Last but not least, users of the Fiat 5003 have also reported several transmission issues. Some of them are car jerking, gear shifting, gear failure, gear stuck in park, and much more. Unlike in gas-powered Fiat 500, the Fiat 500e has a few parts in its transmission system. Therefore, fixing is quite easy and seamless.
You can fix transmission issues in the Fiat 500e by taking the car to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic will then pinpoint the problem and fix the faulty part. If the transmission is damaged badly, the entire system may have to be replaced.
FAQ
Is the Fiat 500e reliable?
Fiat cars are among the least reliable when it comes to mainstream cars. However, since electric cars are more reliable than gas-powered vehicles, the Fiat 500e should be more reliable than its siblings. Besides, some reliability agencies have rated it to have slightly above average reliability, which is a good sign.
Is it expensive to maintain the Fiat 500e?
No, maintaining a Fiat 500e is cheaper than other similar cars. This is because the average annual cost of maintaining a similar car is around $650 while maintaining the Fiat 500e will cost you between $400 and $500. Since the Fiat 500e is fully electric, a few things can go wrong, making it even cheaper than the Fiat 500.
How long does the Fiat 500e battery last?
Fiat comes with a base 24-kWh battery, but it also has a variant that is fitted with a larger 42-kWh battery. On average, these batteries should last for 100,000 miles, which is outstanding. Nonetheless, the batteries can be replaced if they wear out. So, on average, the Fiat battery should last between 3 and 4 years.
How long does it take to fully charge the Fiat 500e?
It depends on the type of battery you’re using in your Fiat 500e car. If it’s the 24-kWh lithium-ion battery, it will take you around 24 hours to fully charge from empty using a 120-volt outlet. On the contrary, if it’s the bigger 85-kWh battery, it will charge 80% in just 35 minutes using the fast charger.
Last but not least, if you decide to use a 7.4kWh home wall box, it will take slightly over six hours to fully charge the car.
Why is my Fiat 500e radio not working?
If you have tried turning on your Fiat 500e radio and it’s not working, you should try disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes. Afterward, try reconnecting the battery and see if it works. This trick usually unfreezes the radio if it has frozen. If this trick doesn’t work, try checking the fuse in the fuse box as it may require being replaced.
Conclusion
Fiat 500e is a small and zero-emissions car with lots of fascinating features. Nonetheless, this car also has several problems that interested buyers should be ready to tackle when they acquire it. The main issues with the Fiat 500e are software problems, electrical issues, transmission problems, charging issues, and battery problems.
Like most cars, the Fiat 500e can last for over a long period if the user maintains it properly and adheres to the manufacturer’s recommended scheduled service maintenance.
