Recall 15V291 affects 3,851 2013-2015 FIAT 500 electric vehicles for an EVCU defect that shifts to neutral. Repair is free at a franchised FIAT dealer.
FIAT is recalling 3,851 2013-2015 500 battery electric vehicles because the Electric Vehicle Control Unit can set a diagnostic trouble code that unexpectedly shifts the transmission into neutral. Loss of drive increases crash risk, and the FIAT dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The 2013-2015 FIAT 500 battery electric vehicles use an Electric Vehicle Control Unit, or EVCU, to manage the electric drive system and communicate with the transmission controls. In normal driving, that control unit checks vehicle speed and torque data so the transmission stays in the commanded drive range.
On affected vehicles, a software update left one internal speed monitor reading in mph while the System Torque Monitoring Ring still used kph. That mismatch creates a math error, so the control unit sees implausible torque readings and sets diagnostic trouble code P061B. When that fault is set, the vehicle enters failsafe and automatically shifts the transmission into neutral while driving. A key cycle is required before the vehicle can shift out of neutral.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not have a reliable warning until the fault sets and the vehicle shifts into neutral.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years for the same automatic transmission component.
| 2013 FIAT 500 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2014 FIAT 500 | automatic transmission |
| 2015 FIAT 500 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 3,851 |
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 unexpected shift to neutral removes drive power and increases crash risk, especially in traffic. There is no warning sign before failure. If the vehicle loses drive, steer to a safe place, stop, and call a FIAT dealer for repair scheduling. Repair will be free at any franchised FIAT dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 FIAT 500 is included in this recall.
- Wait for FIAT repair instructions before scheduling the final software update, unless your dealer confirms the remedy is open.
- Contact a franchised FIAT dealer and ask about the free EVCU reprogramming that fixes the unexpected shift to neutral.
- Reference recall number 15V291 when you call the dealer or FIAT customer service.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete. If the 500 shifts to neutral or loses drive, move out of traffic and stop when safe.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a FIAT technician will reprogram the Electric Vehicle Control Unit so the affected software logic no longer causes an unexpected shift to neutral. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. For owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's reimbursement policy covers confirmed expenses. Send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment through the instructions in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 18, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 27, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| June 27, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V291?
Recall 15V291 covers 3,851 2013-2015 FIAT 500 battery electric vehicles with an Electric Vehicle Control Unit issue. The unit can set a diagnostic trouble code that shifts the transmission to neutral unexpectedly. FIAT dealers reprogram the EVCU for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 FIAT 500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V291. If it is, contact a franchised FIAT dealer to schedule the EVCU reprogramming. Reference recall number 15V291 when you call, or use FIAT customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to complete recall repairs at no cost, and FIAT dealers will reprogram the Electric Vehicle Control Unit free of charge. The recall repair began on June 19, 2015.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a loss of drive if the transmission unexpectedly shifts to neutral. That loss of drive can increase crash risk, especially when traffic around you expects the vehicle to keep moving. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free EVCU reprogramming with a FIAT dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V291000 |
|---|---|
| FIAT customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V291 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V291000 |
Source documents
-
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 →