Recall 16V303 affects 16,584 2013-2016 FIAT 500E vehicles for power inverter voltage spikes. Free PIM software update at any franchised FIAT dealer.
FIAT is recalling 16,584 2013-2016 500E vehicles because voltage spikes in the power inverter module can shut down the propulsion system and cause loss of motive power. That loss of power can increase crash risk; FIAT dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The power inverter module is part of the 2013-2016 FIAT 500E electric propulsion system. It manages high-voltage power from the traction battery and converts it into the form the drive motor uses when you press the accelerator. The car depends on that module to keep propulsion power controlled and steady.
On affected 500E vehicles, the module experiences voltage spikes inside the propulsion system. Those spikes can trigger a propulsion shutdown while the vehicle is being driven. When that happens, the drive motor stops receiving usable power and the vehicle loses motive power.
Owners are not given a warning sign before this failure. There is no warning sign before failure, and the recall describes the loss of motive power as happening without warning.
Who's affected?
Spans four model years of the 500E, all tied to the high-voltage traction battery.
| 2013 FIAT 500E | high-voltage traction battery |
|---|---|
| 2016 FIAT 500E | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2014 FIAT 500E | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2015 FIAT 500E | high-voltage traction battery |
| Units affected | 16,584 |
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?
Loss of motive power means the 500E can stop responding to accelerator input without warning, which increases crash risk in traffic. If this happens, steer to a safe place, use hazard lights, and contact a franchised FIAT dealer for the software update. Repair is free at any franchised FIAT dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 FIAT 500E is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised FIAT dealer to schedule the free PIM software update that prevents voltage spikes from shutting down the propulsion system.
- Bring the recall notice if FIAT mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V303 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the software update is complete, since loss of motive power increases crash risk.
- Call FIAT customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about scheduling or dealer availability.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a FIAT technician updates the power inverter module software. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by the campaign. The update is meant to address voltage spikes in the PIM that can shut down propulsion and cause loss of motive power. If you already paid for a related repair before the recall notice, the reimbursement plan asks you to send the original receipt or other proof of payment so FIAT can confirm the expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 16, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V303?
Recall 16V303 covers 16,584 2013-2016 FIAT 500E vehicles with a power inverter module software issue. Voltage spikes can shut down the propulsion system and cause loss of motive power, which increases crash risk. FIAT dealers update the PIM software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 FIAT 500E is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 500E is included in recall 16V303. If it is, contact a franchised FIAT dealer to schedule the PIM software update. Reference recall number 16V303 or FIAT recall S26 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 16V303 is a free PIM software update at a franchised FIAT dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of motive power while driving. In recall 16V303, voltage spikes in the power inverter module can shut down the propulsion system. That loss of motive power increases crash risk, so schedule the free software update after your VIN is confirmed.
What if I bought my FIAT 500E used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013-2016 FIAT 500E is included, then call a franchised FIAT dealer with recall number 16V303.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V303000 |
|---|---|
| FIAT customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V303 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V303000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →