Fuel EXe Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 – 4 Motor Replacements & Still No Resolution

Hi everyone,

I’m from Portugal and I’d like to share my disappointing experience with the Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 (2022 model – TQ-HPR50 system).

Since I purchased the bike in 2023, I’ve faced serious and recurring technical issues. In just over a year, the bike has had:

• 4 motor replacements (all under warranty),
• Significant downtime — the bike spent more time in the shop than with me,
• And now, Trek and the dealer have proposed a full replacement of the electrical system (which would be the 5th major intervention).

While I appreciate that Trek’s technical team responded politely and professionally, I am very disappointed with the proposed solution. I strongly believe that after so many failures, simply replacing components is no longer acceptable. It feels like a temporary patch rather than a definitive solution.

I’m asking for a full bike replacement, in accordance with EU consumer protection laws — due to persistent non-conformity and the inability to enjoy the product I paid for.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and successfully received a new replacement bike from Trek or their dealer?

Are there others here with long-term issues with the Fuel EXe or the TQ-HPR50 system?

I still believe in Trek’s values and commitment to quality, but my confidence in this particular bike and its system has been deeply shaken. Any help or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated as I decide how to move forward.

Thanks in advance,
José (Portugal)

I have not had any issues with my 2024 Fuel EXE TQ motor. Your situation seems strange.

Trek Manufacturers seem fairly good for warranty issues and service at most dealers. But 4 motors …that can be frustrating.

In fact, after this amount of time, my Fuel EXE may be worthy of a AXS Reverb 170mm dropper upgrade. But the price? The new dropper might have to be a secret birthday gift to myself. .$$$

What were the faults that caused the motor to be replaced 4 times? And how many miles did you travel on each motor?

I guess if it's a 2022 bike then you've covered a lot of miles?

In my experience, if you use ebikes regularly in the wet in the UK, then motors do fail more frequently than I would like, not just tq, but most motors. I'm on my 3rd motor in the fuel exe (after about 2500 miles) and second motor on my or orbea wild fs. I'd like to think they last longer if it's mostly used in a dry climate. But maybe not...

Mteam said:

What were the faults that caused the motor to be replaced 4 times? And how many miles did you travel on each motor?

I guess if it's a 2022 bike then you've covered a lot of miles?

In my experience, if you use ebikes regularly in the wet in the UK, then motors do fail more frequently than I would like, not just tq, but most motors. I'm on my 3rd motor in the fuel exe (after about 2500 miles) and second motor on my or orbea wild fs. I'd like to think they last longer if it's mostly used in a dry climate. But maybe not...

Click to expand...

No, as I said, the bike is from the end of 2023, and after only about 400 km, the engine failed and was replaced for the first time in 2024, then it had another one after only 27 km, it failed on the first use, new intervention, new engine about 220 km and it failed this time, the display and engine failed. Now after 68 km, another failure! Now they want to replace the entire electrical part! I don't think this is normal! Although I have already seen reports, including on this forum, of 3 and 4 engine replacements. I have no confidence in the bike.