Is the 2016 Fiat 500E reliable?

The 2016 Fiat 500E has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Fiat 500E?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (3 complaints, avg repair $500); LIGHTING (2 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Fiat 500E?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY. Contact any Fiat dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 Fiat 500E?

The 2016 Fiat 500E has an EPA rating of 112 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $686. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Fiat 500E?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Fiat 500E is approximately $1,817/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2016 Fiat 500E qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2016 Fiat 500E may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2016 Fiat 500E

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Fiat 500E has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is electrical problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: car stopped while waiting at intersection for no reason in the middle of the street. would not restart. after a period of time car started and resumed driving.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 3 of 3)

ELECTRICAL

3 complaints

50%

• CAR STOPPED WHILE WAITING AT INTERSECTION FOR NO REASON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME CAR STARTED AND RESUMED DRIVING.
• The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500E. The contact stated that the vehicle could not immediately be started. The "Service Electrical System" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. T
• The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500E. The contact stated that the vehicle could not immediately be started. The "Service Electrical System" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. T

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“CAR STOPPED WHILE WAITING AT INTERSECTION FOR NO REASON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME CAR STARTED AND RESUMED DRIVING.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY16/05/2016

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.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Fiat 500E

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$680

Per month

$57

Per mile

5.7¢

kWh/mi

0.30

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Fiat 500E

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,817

Full coverage / month

$151

Liability only / year

$679

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1817

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Fiat New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

These are the terms for a new Fiat. If you're buying a used 2016 500E, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Fiat dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2016 Fiat 500E

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: CAR STOPPED WHILE WAITING AT INTERSECTION FOR NO REASON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME CAR STARTED AND RESUMED DRIVING.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500E. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. THE BRAKE LIGHT WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: "RIGHT STOP LIGHT OUT". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: CAR STOPPED WHILE WAITING AT INTERSECTION FOR NO REASON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME CAR STARTED AND RESUMED DRIVING.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Fiat dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)