A fuse system includes a fuse element configured to receive a current. A controller is operatively connected to the fuse element and has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for determining a remaining fuse life (LR) of the fuse element. Execution of the instructions by the processor causes the controller to determine a temperature (T) of the fuse element. The fuse system may be part of a vehicle. The controller may be configured to determine if the remaining fuse life is below first and second thresholds. If the remaining fuse life is above the second threshold, a first message may be displayed to a vehicle display. If the remaining fuse life is below the second threshold, the vehicle may be shifted to a predefined alternative operating mode.