DecodedCars2016 Fiat 500e
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 84 mi · 4 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 84 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Fiat 500e is a minicompact car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 84 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 500e — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 500e →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500e EV | 82 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 84 mi · 29.9767 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Fiat 500e.
Similar 2016 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Fiat 500e (this car) | 84 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Subaru BRZ | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Fiat 500 | 34 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Scion FR-S | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2016 Fiat 500e is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Fiat 500e buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 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 84 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 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 |
| 2015 500e | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2014 500e | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2013 500e | 87 mi | – | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →