Recall 15V179 covers 5,660 2013-2015 FIAT 500E vehicles for software that can shut down propulsion. Repair is free at any franchised FIAT dealer.
FIAT is recalling 5,660 2013-2015 500E electric vehicles because incompatible control-module software can shut down the electric propulsion system when the car enters limp home mode. That shutdown creates a stall-like condition and increases the risk of a crash; FIAT dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2013-2015 FIAT 500E uses control software to coordinate the electric drive system and the battery pack. The Electric Vehicle Control Unit, or EVCU, manages propulsion commands, while the Battery Pack Control Module, or BPCM, monitors the battery and sends status information. One of those statuses is limp home mode, a reduced-power state meant to let the vehicle keep moving with limited performance.
On affected 500E vehicles, the EVCU software does not properly recognize the limp home mode command from the BPCM. That mismatch between the two control modules can cause the high-voltage electrical system to shut down. If that happens while driving, the electric propulsion system stops delivering power.
With affected software levels, there is no driver-facing warning sign before failure. The BPCM status can be stored as a code without a dashboard signal, so the operator gets no clear notice that limp home mode has been triggered.
Who's affected?
All listed model years share the same battery component, so the scope does not split by different parts.
| 2014 FIAT 500E | battery |
|---|---|
| 2015 FIAT 500E | battery |
| 2013 FIAT 500E | battery |
| Units affected | 5,660 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electric propulsion system shutdown can leave the vehicle in a stall-like condition and increase the risk of a crash. On affected software levels, the BPCM can enter limp home mode with only a stored code, leaving the driver without a clear warning. Schedule the software update soon, and pull out of traffic safely if propulsion drops. Repair is free at any franchised FIAT dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 FIAT 500E is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised FIAT dealer to schedule the free software update that keeps the electric control units compatible and prevents the propulsion system from shutting down in limp home mode.
- Bring the recall notice if FIAT mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V179 when you call.
- Pull over safely and call the dealer if the 500E enters limp home mode before the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a FIAT technician updates the vehicle software so the Electric Vehicle Control Unit and Battery Pack Control Module use compatible instructions when the car enters limp home mode. The recall repair is available now, and the software update is free. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, with no dealer charge for the covered update for included VINs.
Timeline
| March 27, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 21, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 21, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| May 21, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V179?
Recall 15V179 covers 5,660 2013-2015 FIAT 500E vehicles with incompatible electric-drive software. If the car enters limp-home mode, the electric propulsion system can shut down fully, creating a stall-like condition and increasing crash risk. FIAT dealers update the vehicle software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 FIAT 500E is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 500E is included in recall 15V179. If it is, contact a franchised FIAT dealer to schedule the vehicle software update. Reference recall number 15V179 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the FIAT 500E recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 15V179, a franchised FIAT dealer updates the vehicle software to align the electric vehicle control unit and battery pack control module free of charge.
Is it safe to drive a 2013-2015 FIAT 500E with recall 15V179 open?
Recall 15V179 does not carry a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is a full electric propulsion system shutdown after limp-home mode, which creates a stall-like condition and increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a FIAT dealer.
What if I bought my FIAT 500E used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor recall 15V179 regardless of ownership history. If you never received the original owner notice, check your VIN and give recall number 15V179 to the FIAT dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V179000 |
|---|---|
| FIAT customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V179 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V179000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →