OBD diagnostics · purchase protection

2016 Fiat 500E
Common Problems & Inspection Guide

Verify baseline vehicle system stability data. Learn what to check on the physical vehicle computer before signing a bill of sale.

Connect Adapter & Check for Code Wipes

Platform Heritage

The Fiat 500e (project 332), also known as the 500 elettrica, is an either battery-electric car or mild-hybrid engine car by Italian manufacturer Fiat as the third generation of its 500 city cars, following the original 500 (1957–1975) and second-generation 500 (2007–2024). The third-generation 500e is manufactured at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, starting in 2020, and was sold alongside the second-generation 500, which was manufactured in Tychy, Poland until 2024. It was scheduled to be launched at the Geneva Motor Show but that event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it was launched on 4 March 2020 in Milan. The 500e has a 320 km (199 mi) range on the European WLTP combined test cycle, and achieves 400 km (249 mi) on that test's urban cycle, which is generally favourable toward electric vehicles (EVs). Most versions of the car are powered by an 87 kW (117 hp) electric traction motor, fed by a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Source: Wikipedia intro extract · as of Jun 19, 2026

Key facts for this model year

4NHTSA owner complaints
1Safety recalls on file
2Top issue reports · Exterior Lighting
$0Typical OEM recall remedy cost to you

~353 average monthly buyer searches in the US (google ads data · as of Jun 19, 2026). Run a MotoMetrics scan for your VIN to see live repair exposure.

Verify the data — open primary sources · as of Jun 19, 2026

System Defect Summaries & Field Data

Active safety recalls on file: 1 (source: NHTSA Recalls API · as of Jun 19, 2026)

Top NHTSA complaint categories

Recent recall summaries

Campaign 16V303000 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY · API record

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.

YouTube voice themes below are research hints only — verify against NHTSA data before citing.

Search demand cross-check: ~353 avg monthly intent searches (source: google ads data · as of Jun 19, 2026)

On-Site Fiat 500E Pre-Purchase Checklist

  1. Verify OBD-II readiness monitors are complete (not recently cleared) using a full protocol scan.
  2. Compare dashboard mileage to ECU-stored odometer modules where accessible.
  3. Pull permanent and pending DTCs — not only stored codes visible on the dash.
  4. Inspect systems related to EXTERIOR LIGHTING (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  5. Inspect systems related to ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  6. Inspect systems related to POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  7. Confirm recall remedy completed for ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY (campaign 16V303000).
  8. Run a MotoMetrics on-site scan for Fiat 500E before signing the bill of sale.

Alternative Inferences & Cross-Shopping Matrix

Adjacent model years for this nameplate and equivalent footprints shoppers compare across brands.

Generational cohorts

2018 Fiat 500E 2019 Fiat 500E

Class competitors

2016 About Us 2016 Acura Rdx 2016 Buick Encore 2016 Car Finder 2016 Car Recalls 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Spark

Vehicle health varies wildly by individual history. Aggregate recall and complaint data cannot tell you whether the specific car on the lot had its monitors cleared or its odometer rolled back. Verify the physical or digital scan before you sign a bill of sale.

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