Alfa Romeo MiTo 955
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
170 PS
1.4 MultiAir · Benzin
Scalpel, Not Sledgehammer
Fun to Drive!105–120 PS
1.6L JTDm Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Alfa Romeo MiTo 955 is available with 12 engine variants — from 69 to 170 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Fiat's 1.3-litre Multijet diesel in the MiTo — 90 hp, extremely frugal (4–5 l/100 km), designed for city use. Torque is adequate for the light MiTo, but motorway driving is a stretch. Common engine across the Fiat group, parts cheap and available.
- !! Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure from 130,000 km
1.3 Multijet with timing chain — chain stretches if oil changes are neglected. Hydraulic chain tensioner fails first. Chain snap causes engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (1–2 min), persistent noise at 130,000+ km, camshaft timing error codes. - !! M32 gearbox bearing failure from 70,000 km
Diesel versions also use the M32 gearbox with its known bearing problem. Humming noise in 5th/6th gear and risk of total failure if repair is delayed.
Symptoms: Humming noise in 5th/6th gear, gear selection becomes stiffer, gear lever wanders under load. - !! Oil pump O-ring pressure loss from 75,000 km
The 2.0 MultiJet shares the known O-ring problem on the oil pump suction pipe with other Fiat/Alfa diesel engines of this generation. The rubber ring loses its sealing effect from 70,000–80,000 km.
Symptoms: Brief oil pressure warning on cold start, ticking immediately after start, disappears after warm-up
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 95 hp version of the 1.3-litre Multijet — slightly stronger than the 85 hp eco variant, with the same core virtues: frugal, reliable, adequate for city use. The best-selling diesel in the MiTo.
- !! Timing chain prematurely worn from 140,000 km
Euro 6 variant shares the same chain drive as predecessors. Regular oil changes every 10,000 km are critical. Chain snap causes engine damage.
Symptoms: Rattling after cold start, declining engine power, camshaft timing errors in fault memory. - !! DPF issues on short trips from 100,000 km
Euro 6 particulate filter has stricter regeneration requirements. Short trips prevent full regeneration. Differential pressure sensor is a wear part.
Symptoms: White/grey smoke, limp mode, engine warning light, DPF full indication on diagnostic tool. - !! Crankshaft sensor failure causing no-start from 100,000 km
The crankshaft sensor on the 1.2 Fire is known to fail, particularly at high mileage or after heat cycles. When it fails the engine no longer starts; there are two different sensor types (with and without cable) — the correct one must be identified.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly refuses to start, no fault code stored, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The eco version of the 1.3-litre Multijet with start-stop and optimised consumption — 85 hp, even more frugal than the base 1.3. Designed for cost-conscious urban drivers.
- !! Timing chain stretch — tensioner failure from 140,000 km
Identical chain drive issue as 199A3000. Hydraulic tensioner fails first when oil is contaminated. Chain should be replaced preventively at 200,000 km.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, timing fault codes after 130,000 km, metallic rhythmic chain slap. - !! Oil pump O-ring pressure loss from 75,000 km
The rubber O-ring on the oil pump suction pipe loses its sealing effect over time, allowing air ingestion. This initially lowers oil pressure on cold start; in the worst case engine damage through oil starvation can result.
Symptoms: Brief oil pressure warning or ticking on cold start, disappears after warm-up - !! DPF clogging on short trips from 100,000 km
Particulate filter does not regenerate fully in city traffic. White smoke during regeneration attempts. DPF replacement documented from €340.
Symptoms: White smoke every few weeks, power drop in limp mode, frequent engine warning light, increased consumption.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.6-litre JTDM from Fiat/Multijet is the volume diesel for the MiTo and Giulietta — 105–120 hp, frugal (4.5–5.5 l/100 km), sufficiently torquey for daily use. Well matched to the MiTo, slightly undersized in the heavier Giulietta. Common rail diesel technology with the usual concerns: DPF regeneration on short-trip use, injector wear at high mileage.
- !! M32 gearbox bearing failure — 5th/6th gear from 80,000 km
Based on 50 reports: gearbox bearings failing partially at 80,000 km. M32 also used for diesel MiTo without reinforcement. Humming noises and total failure if repair is delayed.
Symptoms: Humming in 5th/6th gear, gear lever wanders under load, shift precision deteriorates. - !! Turbo failure from oil starvation from 90,000 km
From fiches-auto.fr: documented turbocharger failures, including turbo failure at 90,000 km. Head gasket damage as collateral damage is possible.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, whistling sound, blue exhaust smoke, oil in the intake line. - !! UniAir solenoid blockage from 100,000 km
Deposits from unsuitable or old oil can block the UniAir unit solenoid. If blocked in the closed position, the intake valve no longer opens; the affected cylinder does not fire.
Symptoms: Misfire on individual cylinders, three-cylinder running, engine warning light with solenoid fault code
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.6-litre JTDM from Fiat/Multijet is the volume diesel for the MiTo and Giulietta — 105–120 hp, frugal (4.5–5.5 l/100 km), sufficiently torquey for daily use. Well matched to the MiTo, slightly undersized in the heavier Giulietta. Common rail diesel technology with the usual concerns: DPF regeneration on short-trip use, injector wear at high mileage.
- !! M32 gearbox bearing failure — 5th/6th gear from 80,000 km
Based on 50 reports: gearbox bearings failing partially at 80,000 km. M32 also used for diesel MiTo without reinforcement. Humming noises and total failure if repair is delayed.
Symptoms: Humming in 5th/6th gear, gear lever wanders under load, shift precision deteriorates. - !! Turbo failure from oil starvation from 90,000 km
From fiches-auto.fr: documented turbocharger failures, including turbo failure at 90,000 km. Head gasket damage as collateral damage is possible.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, whistling sound, blue exhaust smoke, oil in the intake line. - !! UniAir solenoid blockage from 100,000 km
Deposits from unsuitable or old oil can block the UniAir unit solenoid. If blocked in the closed position, the intake valve no longer opens; the affected cylinder does not fire.
Symptoms: Misfire on individual cylinders, three-cylinder running, engine warning light with solenoid fault code
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 85 hp version of the TwinAir two-cylinder without a turbo — noticeably tamer than the 105 hp turbo variant but with the same characteristic two-cylinder sound. Designed for city driving, at its limits on the motorway. Simpler mechanically than the turbo version, more frugal in real-world consumption.
- !! Timing chain premature wear from 80,000 km
Identical chain drive issue as the 105 hp TwinAir. Timing chain often fails before 100,000 km. Tensioner and guide rails are contributing factors.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, audible chain slap in the morning, power loss with prolonged rattling. - !! Turbo damage from incorrect oil from 85,000 km
Mitsubishi TD02V turbocharger suffers particularly badly from incorrect engine oil. Only 0W-30 is approved — cheap oils significantly accelerate turbine wear.
Symptoms: Power deficit at low rpm, whistling noise, blue smoke at start. - !! UniAir unit sensitive to oil quality from 50,000 km
UniAir unit clogs with long oil change intervals. Alfa recommended 30,000 km — too long. Oil change every 10,000 km strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling at standstill, sporadic power weakness, increased consumption.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Fiat's 0.9-litre TwinAir two-cylinder with 105 hp in the MiTo — small displacement, big turbo punch. The two-cylinder vibrates noticeably and sounds unusual: a deep burble that's more motorcycle than car. MultiAir valve timing for variable output. Real-world consumption often higher than claimed — the small engine has to work hard in city traffic. The entertainment factor through its unusual character is surprisingly high.
- !! Timing chain premature wear below 100,000 km from 80,000 km
The TwinAir's timing chain frequently fails to reach 100,000 km. Factory oil change intervals of 30,000 km are too long. A jumped chain risks engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, chain noise that eases after warm-up, in worst case engine seizure. - !! UniAir unit failure — expensive repair from 50,000 km
The electro-hydraulic UniAir valve timing system is extremely sensitive to oil contamination. Slightly degraded oil clogs the micro-bore passages. Replacement cost €600–1,100.
Symptoms: Stumbling at idle, occasional stalling, power loss when A/C is running, misfires. - !! Turbocharger damage from oil starvation from 90,000 km
The Mitsubishi TD025 turbocharger suffers badly with wrong oil. Small oil capacity (3.2 l) heats up quickly. Only 0W-30 is approved.
Symptoms: Whistling noise from the turbo area, power loss, blue exhaust, oil mist on the intake side.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.4-litre 8V FIRE naturally aspirated engine with 78 hp — Alfa's entry-level engine in the MiTo. No turbo, no MultiAir, no excitement. Adequate for city use, underpowered on the motorway. Extremely simple mechanically, cheap to maintain.
- !! Timing belt failure — engine damage when overdue from 70,000 km
The 1.4 FIRE 8V timing belt must be changed every 5 years or 60,000–80,000 km. If the belt breaks, valves collide with pistons — interference engine, total destruction unavoidable.
Symptoms: Abrupt engine shutdown, loud metallic noise, engine will not restart. - !! Misfires from loose timing pulley from 55,000 km
After a timing belt change, insufficiently tightened pulley bolts can cause rough running and misfires. P0300/P0304 — engine runs on 2 cylinders in cold conditions.
Symptoms: MIL after cold start, engine runs on 2 cylinders until restart, misfires disappear after warm-up. - !! Crankshaft sensor failure from 100,000 km
The crankshaft sensor fails particularly after repeated heat-cool cycles. When it fails, the engine refuses to start abruptly; there are two different sensor types and mixing them up leads to continued starting failure.
Symptoms: Sudden no-start without warning, possible engine warning light, engine cuts out while driving
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 70 hp version of the 1.4-litre FIRE — marginally stronger than the 350A1000, intended for the same purpose: affordable city use with low running costs.
- !! Timing belt failure — interference engine from 70,000 km
Same FIRE technology as 955A1000/350A1000 — timing belt every 60,000–80,000 km or 5 years. If the belt breaks, valve-piston collision and engine damage result.
Symptoms: Abrupt engine shutdown, loud metallic noise, engine will not restart. - !! Crankshaft sensor — moisture damage from 65,000 km
The crankshaft sensor on the FIRE engine sits unprotected. Moisture ingress causes intermittent engine cut-outs, especially in wet conditions.
Symptoms: Engine cuts out in rain, fails to start, intermittent starting problems. - !! Wastegate actuator boost irregularity from 80,000 km
The wastegate actuator or boost control solenoid can deliver incorrect boost values through aging or mechanical wear. Power loss, limp mode, or boost pressure fault P0234 results.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, limp mode, engine warning light with boost pressure fault P0234
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Identical to the 955A1000 — 1.4-litre 8V FIRE naturally aspirated engine, here in the 69 hp version. Alfa's most frugal and least powerful engine in the MiTo range. Pure city machine.
- !! Timing belt snap — interference engine from 70,000 km
Same design as 955A1000 — timing belt every 60,000–80,000 km or 5 years. If it snaps, pistons contact open valves. Repair costs frequently exceed the vehicle's value.
Symptoms: Sudden engine seizure, metallic banging before seizure, engine will not restart. - !! Crankshaft sensor — water ingress from 65,000 km
Crankshaft sensor sits unprotected in the water spray area. Moisture ingress causes engine stalling, especially in rain and winter conditions.
Symptoms: Random engine stalls, no start after driving in rain, intermittent cutting out at junctions. - !! Crankshaft sensor failure from 100,000 km
The crankshaft sensor on this 1.4 16V unit tends to fail at high mileage or after heat stress. Two sensor variants exist; mixing them up leads to further no-start conditions.
Symptoms: Sudden engine cut-out, no start attempt possible, no OBD fault code stored
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo is Alfa's technical masterpiece in the small car segment: electrohydraulic valve timing without a throttle plate, variable valve lift control, up to 170 hp. The MultiAir technology significantly improves throttle response and efficiency over the conventional 1.4 T-Jet. However, the technology is also more complex and more susceptible to repair: the MultiAir unit is a specific wear item, and oil changes every 10,000 km are mandatory for the hydraulic unit.
- !! MultiAir unit blocked / failed from 50,000 km
The hydraulic-electromagnetic MultiAir unit clogs when oil change intervals are too long or the wrong oil is used. Fault codes P1062/P1063. If ignored, a cascade failure up to a seized piston can result (8,000–10,000 €). Post-2013 (MultiAir II) is less frequently affected.
Symptoms: Engine running on 3 cylinders, flashing engine warning light, rough idle, start-stop system fails, power loss. - !! Timing belt: short replacement interval from 120,000 km
The 1.4 MultiAir timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km or 8 years, under severe conditions after 4 years. A broken belt causes total engine destruction. The water pump is changed at the same time.
Symptoms: None until breakage. Preventive replacement is strongly recommended. Verify replacement history before purchase. - !! MultiAir Unit Failure from 45,000 km
The electro-hydraulic MultiAir valve timing unit can fail prematurely and deactivates the affected cylinders. The first generation (up to model year 2013) is significantly more failure-prone. Replacement is only possible as a complete unit swap.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P1320, misfires, one cylinder drops out, engine feels like a tractor, power reduction of approx. 25%.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo is Alfa's technical masterpiece in the small car segment: electrohydraulic valve timing without a throttle plate, variable valve lift control, up to 170 hp. The MultiAir technology significantly improves throttle response and efficiency over the conventional 1.4 T-Jet. However, the technology is also more complex and more susceptible to repair: the MultiAir unit is a specific wear item, and oil changes every 10,000 km are mandatory for the hydraulic unit.
- !! MultiAir unit blocked / failed from 50,000 km
The hydraulic-electromagnetic MultiAir unit clogs when oil change intervals are too long or the wrong oil is used. Fault codes P1062/P1063. If ignored, a cascade failure up to a seized piston can result (8,000–10,000 €). Post-2013 (MultiAir II) is less frequently affected.
Symptoms: Engine running on 3 cylinders, flashing engine warning light, rough idle, start-stop system fails, power loss. - !! Timing belt: short replacement interval from 120,000 km
The 1.4 MultiAir timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km or 8 years, under severe conditions after 4 years. A broken belt causes total engine destruction. The water pump is changed at the same time.
Symptoms: None until breakage. Preventive replacement is strongly recommended. Verify replacement history before purchase. - !! MultiAir Unit Failure from 45,000 km
The electro-hydraulic MultiAir valve timing unit can fail prematurely and deactivates the affected cylinders. The first generation (up to model year 2013) is significantly more failure-prone. Replacement is only possible as a complete unit swap.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P1320, misfires, one cylinder drops out, engine feels like a tractor, power reduction of approx. 25%.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 140 hp MultiAir version of the 1.4-litre turbo in the MiTo — positioned between the 120 hp T-Jet and the 170 hp top version. MultiAir valve timing for better throttle response, TCT dual-clutch gearbox as an automatic option. A good compromise between performance and efficiency.
- !! MultiAir unit blocked / failed from 50,000 km
The hydraulic-electromagnetic MultiAir unit clogs when oil change intervals are too long or the wrong oil is used. Fault codes P1062/P1063. If ignored, a cascade failure up to a seized piston can result (8,000–10,000 €). Post-2013 (MultiAir II) is less frequently affected.
Symptoms: Engine running on 3 cylinders, flashing engine warning light, rough idle, start-stop system fails, power loss. - !! Timing belt: short replacement interval from 120,000 km
The 1.4 MultiAir timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km or 8 years, under severe conditions after 4 years. A broken belt causes total engine destruction. The water pump is changed at the same time.
Symptoms: None until breakage. Preventive replacement is strongly recommended. Verify replacement history before purchase. - !! MultiAir micro-filter blocked from 40,000 km
The MultiAir unit micro-filter (55238665) must be cleaned or replaced at every oil change. A blocked filter causes oil pressure loss in the unit and cylinder drop-out.
Symptoms: Fault codes P1062/P1063, rough engine running, cylinder drops out intermittently. Symptoms temporarily disappear after engine flush.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.4-litre T-Jet is the more conventional turbocharged four-cylinder — no MultiAir valve timing, but simpler and more robust. 120 hp in the MiTo, 120 hp in the Giulietta. Frugal, reliable with regular maintenance, without the complexity of the MultiAir technology. The more straightforward choice for everyday drivers.
- !! Turbocharger failure / boost pressure loss from 100,000 km
Turbocharger failure from insufficient lubrication or a failed wastegate actuator. Boost pressure loss occurs without warning, commonly from 80,000–120,000 km with irregular oil changes.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, car barely accelerates, no noticeable boost pressure, fault code P0240. - !! MultiAir solenoid actuator blocked from 100,000 km
The electro-hydraulic solenoid in the UniAir/MultiAir unit can block from oil residues (fault code: cylinder X UniAir actuator solenoid blocked). An engine flush with oil change can delay the need for replacement; ultimately the entire unit often needs replacing.
Symptoms: Rough running on individual cylinders, engine warning light, brief self-healing after restart - !! Oil consumption from valve stem seals from 110,000 km
Valve stem seals and turbo bearings wear from around 100,000 km. Oil consumption up to 1 L/1,000 km in worst cases. Short-trip driving accelerates wear.
Symptoms: Blue exhaust plume after coasting downhill, low oil level between service intervals, oil mist in the intake tract.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.4-litre T-Jet with factory LPG — 120 hp on petrol, marginally less on gas. The factory LPG installation is better integrated than aftermarket solutions: tank in the spare wheel well, no compromise on boot space. Fuel costs around 40% lower than petrol at slightly higher consumption. Technically identical to the petrol T-Jet, with LPG valves and vaporiser as additional service items.
- !! Turbocharger failure / boost pressure loss from 100,000 km
Same T-Jet technology as 940B7000. Turbocharger failure due to inadequate lubrication, commonly from 80,000–120,000 km with irregular oil changes.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, no perceptible boost pressure, fault code P0240. - !! Oil pump O-ring ageing problem from 75,000 km
The rubber O-ring on the oil pump suction pipe ages and loses its sealing effect, causing air ingestion and oil pressure drop. Preventive replacement every 70,000–80,000 km is recommended.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning on cold start, metallic ticking immediately after start, disappears after warm-up - !! Misfires in LPG mode from 60,000 km
LPG operation stresses spark plugs more than petrol. Shorter replacement intervals (20,000 km) are necessary. Ignition coils suffer from the higher ignition voltage.
Symptoms: Hesitation and misfires especially in gas mode, MIL on, engine running on 3 cylinders.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.4-litre turbo with 155 hp is the entry-level turbocharged engine in the MiTo — punchy, rev-happy, with noticeable turbo kick from 2,500 rpm. Adequately powered for the light MiTo (1,145 kg). The DNA drive selector (Dynamic, Normal, All Weather) noticeably changes throttle response and steering feel. No MultiAir, making the technology simpler than the later variants.
- !! Boost pressure loss and turbo damage from 90,000 km
The more heavily loaded turbocharger of the 155 hp variant tends to premature wear when oil change intervals are neglected. Lambda control and wastegate are known failure points.
Symptoms: Declining acceleration, boost whistle stops, no thrust in upper rpm range, occasional blue exhaust. - !! M32 gearbox bearing damage in 5th/6th gear from 80,000 km
The M32 six-speed gearbox has undersized bearings. Premature failure since a supplier change around 2009. Affects all power variants with 6-speed manual.
Symptoms: Humming noise in 5th/6th gear, gear lever wanders under load, humming increases with speed. - !! Oil pump O-ring pressure loss from 75,000 km
As with the 1.9 JTD, the rubber O-ring on the oil pump suction pipe loses its elasticity around 70,000–80,000 km. Air enters the pump, briefly dropping oil pressure on cold start; if left untreated, engine damage is a risk.
Symptoms: Brief ticking on cold start, sporadic oil pressure warning, disappears after warm-up
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
First MultiAir naturally aspirated engine with 105 hp and hydraulic valve timing. Solid entry unit for the MiTo and Punto Evo. Regular oil changes with quality oil are mandatory — the MultiAir unit is sensitive to oil quality.
- !! MultiAir unit blocked / failed from 50,000 km
The hydraulic-electromagnetic MultiAir unit clogs when oil change intervals are too long or the wrong oil is used. Fault codes P1062/P1063. If ignored, a cascade failure up to a seized piston can result (8,000–10,000 €). Post-2013 (MultiAir II) is less frequently affected.
Symptoms: Engine running on 3 cylinders, flashing engine warning light, rough idle, start-stop system fails, power loss. - !! Timing belt: short replacement interval from 120,000 km
The 1.4 MultiAir timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km or 8 years, under severe conditions after 4 years. A broken belt causes total engine destruction. The water pump is changed at the same time.
Symptoms: None until breakage. Preventive replacement is strongly recommended. Verify replacement history before purchase. - !! MultiAir micro-filter blocked from 40,000 km
The MultiAir unit micro-filter (55238665) must be cleaned or replaced at every oil change. A blocked filter causes oil pressure loss in the unit and cylinder drop-out.
Symptoms: Fault codes P1062/P1063, rough engine running, cylinder drops out intermittently. Symptoms temporarily disappear after engine flush.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Front axle joints wear early Front axle joints wear prematurely, especially on higher-powered variants. MOT inspectors frequently flag failed joints. Steering play and oil loss are also recurring MOT defects. Symptoms: Cracking when turning, knocking over bumps, imprecise steering feel, uneven tyre wear from 90,000 km | Low | |
| Strut top mounts, drop links and rear wheel bearings wear Strut top mounts, drop links and rear wheel bearings are known but inexpensive weaknesses on the MiTo. Front axle joints also show early wear. Parts are readily available — repairs are cost-effective. Symptoms: Knocking from the suspension, pulling to one side, steering wheel vibration from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Drop links and axle joints at front wear early The front anti-roll bar drop links and axle joints wear prematurely. Regularly flagged at MOT inspections. Inexpensive repair but frequently recurring. Symptoms: Knocking and clattering from the front axle over bumps, juddering at low speed over uneven surfaces from 30,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2015
The MiTo is considered a problem candidate by TÜV: significant weaknesses appear after only five years, and the defect rate for vehicles up to three years old stands at 15.6 percent, clearly above average. Main criticisms are front axle joints, brakes, steering play and oil loss.
2015-01Alternatives
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 108 weaknesses have been documented for the Alfa Romeo MiTo 955 (2008–2018) — 93 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: 199B6000 (0.9L TwinAir), 312A2000 (0.9L TwinAir 85), 940A3000 (1.6L JTDm). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Electronics, Brakes.
MiTo (940A3000, 2009–2013) — Stay Away!: M32 gearbox bearing failure — 5th/6th gear, Turbo failure from oil starvation, UniAir solenoid blockage. Power: 116–120 PS.
MiTo (199A3000, 2009–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure, M32 gearbox bearing failure, Oil pump O-ring pressure loss. Power: 90–95 PS.
MiTo (199B4000, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch — tensioner failure, Oil pump O-ring pressure loss, DPF clogging on short trips. Power: 80–90 PS.
MiTo (330A1000, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain prematurely worn, DPF issues on short trips, Crankshaft sensor failure causing no-start. Power: 90–95 PS.
MiTo (940B7000, 2008–2018) — Be Careful: Turbocharger failure / boost pressure loss, MultiAir solenoid actuator blocked, Oil consumption from valve stem seals. Power: 120 PS.
MiTo (955A1000, 2008–2013) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure — engine damage when overdue, Misfires from loose timing pulley, Crankshaft sensor failure. Power: 77–79 PS.
MiTo (199A8000, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: Boost pressure loss and turbo damage, M32 gearbox bearing damage in 5th/6th gear, Oil pump O-ring pressure loss. Power: 150–155 PS.
MiTo (955A6000, 2009–2018) — Be Careful: MultiAir unit blocked / failed, Timing belt: short replacement interval, MultiAir micro-filter blocked. Power: 105 PS.
MiTo (940A2000, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: MultiAir unit blocked / failed, Timing belt: short replacement interval, MultiAir Unit Failure. Power: 135–140 PS.
MiTo (940A2000, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: MultiAir unit blocked / failed, Timing belt: short replacement interval, MultiAir Unit Failure. Power: 163–170 PS.
MiTo (312A2000, 2011–2013) — Stay Away!: Timing chain premature wear, Turbo damage from incorrect oil, UniAir unit sensitive to oil quality. Power: 86 PS.
MiTo (955A9000, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure — interference engine, Crankshaft sensor — moisture damage, Wastegate actuator boost irregularity. Power: 69 PS.
MiTo (199B6000, 2013–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing chain premature wear below 100,000 km, UniAir unit failure — expensive repair, Turbocharger damage from oil starvation. Power: 101–105 PS.
MiTo (955B1000, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: MultiAir unit blocked / failed, Timing belt: short replacement interval, MultiAir micro-filter blocked. Power: 135–140 PS.
MiTo (350A1000, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Timing belt snap — interference engine, Crankshaft sensor — water ingress, Crankshaft sensor failure. Power: 77–79 PS.
MiTo (198A4000, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Turbocharger failure / boost pressure loss, Oil pump O-ring ageing problem, Misfires in LPG mode. Power: 120 PS.
What to watch out for with the Alfa Romeo MiTo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Alfa Romeo MiTo 955 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Alfa Romeo MiTo 955? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Alfa Romeo MiTo 955 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Alfa Romeo MiTo 955 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Alfa Romeo MiTo 955? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee