Passenger side drive axle failed on 2016 500e with only 35650 miles but no longer under warranty. Method of failure: Bolts holding axle to transmission sheered resulting in a loss of power. Car was brought to Orange County Chrysler for repair. Dealer informed me that there was a Chrysler Recall N51 for 2013 Fiat 500e for the same problem, but it didn't apply to my year. Numerous blogs on the internet show similar failures for newer models. A sound engineering fix should be developed and implemented as a Safety Recall.
Fiat 500 loss of power problems
20 of the 812 owner complaints about the Fiat 500 describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 20
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 41,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 3Engine failure 2Stalling 1Fire or smoke 1No deployment 1
What owners say
When driving at 60mph, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate. I do not know why this happened. I was endangered due to the inability to control the speed of my car in traffic. I have recognized a recall that I am going to pursue with a dealer. There was no warning lights on. Oil level was good. Engine temperature was in the OK zone.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 fiat 500e. While driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to renton chrysler dodge jeep ram located at 585 rainier ave s, renton, wa 98057, (425) 430-1000 to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a loss of power in the power inverter which caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v303000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 fiat 500. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to shift in and out of gear and there was a loss of power. The vehicle was taken to moses fiat-alfa romeo (2041 maccorkle ave, st albans, wv 25177, (304) 722-4900). The dealer stated that the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v302000 (power train); however, the failures occurred afterwards. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to the dealer more than once. The dealer indicated that the same oem parts needed to be replaced. The dealer turned the contact away twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving car lost power and smoke began coming out from under hood. Immediately after the check engine light came on. Car was pulled to side of interstate. Immediately got out and looked under hood to see flames and smoke. Called 911 report the fire, dispatch said fire and police would arrive soon. Checked under the hood for a second time, there was considerable more fire and smoke. Proceeded to gather purse and bag from the backseat. Approximately 4 minutes had elapsed. By this time the car is completely engulfed in flames. I moved approximately 300 feet away in fear the car may explode. Another 4-5 minutes passed when police arrived and an additional 6-7 more minutes for the firefighters to respond. As for personal safety, driving had approximately 4 minutes to escape vehicle from check engine light appearing to the entire be completely encompassed with flames. Driver escaped unharmed, but was incredibly shaken by the scary events that unfolded in such a rapid period of time. Car was not able to be saved.
Low oil pressure warning light. Oil level was fine. Then loss of power. Took it to dealership and need new engine
Driving in 3rd gear slid and hit the guard rail and when vehicle stopped couldn't get vehicle out of 3rd gear. Had to use both hands to get vehicle into 1st gear. After vehicle was in 1st gear the vehicle started to smoke and the clutch pedal stuck to the floor. Found a recall bulletin #16v302000 on fca us llc website which describes a recall for s34: "if the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose power, increasing the risk of a crash." that's exactly what happen to the vehicle. Fiat chrysler will not stand behind recall s34 on this vehicle. Vehicle was in motion driving in 3rd gear and couldn't get vehicle to go into 4th gear stuck and crashed on a county road.
On july 14, 2018, I began experiencing trouble with my fiat 500 sport ive only had 2-3 months. I was driving the vehicle in some traffic when it suddenly loss of power. The car began sending multiple codes dealing with the powertrain and transmission. Right now no obd ii devices are able to read the codes because nothing shows. I am unable to track my vehicle's mileage as well. The check engine and ESC lights are on. If driven the transmission light comes on and the car tries to stall. The oil has been changed as required. There is very rough idling. There are constant misfires in one of the cylinders. I haven't driven this car in over a month. Today I have finally managed to get it to the dealership. I'm not sure what they will say is the problem but I feel its a bad ecu/bcm/PCM.
No signs of any problems. Oil change done less than 3 weeks. While driving check engine light came on and in less then 2 mins loss of power until complete stop and car shut off. Turns over but car shakes got it towed home. Car remains unable to drive. Shakes with noises in the engine when on. I've only had the car for 2 years so I'm shocked I am having this problem.
Complete loss of power when driving , I filed for lemon law. I won. Now they are going to sell this car on the internet as a buy back.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Fiat 500 loss of power
Which Fiat 500 years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (9 complaints), 2012 (7 complaints) and 2015 (2 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Fiat 500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history