Alfa Romeo 1.3 JTDm
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.
Sensible diesel to close the range
95 hp from 1.3 litres of diesel — slightly livelier than its predecessors, but still not an engine that suits the MiTo's character.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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.
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.
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
The thermostat on the 1.2 Fire stops opening fully with age or jams closed. In summer a jammed thermostat causes overheating; in winter the heater produces no warmth.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature stays permanently low or rises too quickly, heater blows cold air
The VTG actuator on the turbocharger sticks due to soot deposits and can no longer adjust the variable vanes. This causes limp mode and power loss. Cleaning the vanes can help but an actuator replacement is often necessary.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, limp mode, boost pressure fault message, turbo whistling under load
The DPF differential pressure sensor delivers faulty readings, leading to incorrect regeneration cycles or preventing regeneration altogether. The result is a prematurely blocked DPF. The sensor itself is cheaper than a DPF replacement.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P2002, disrupted DPF regeneration, slight power loss, increased fuel consumption due to unnecessary regeneration
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
Fault in the airbag propellant system: the second stage may fail to fire or not deploy in a crash. Affects vehicles from September 2010 to December 2015. Have a dealer check the vehicle.
Rear brake callipers seize from corrosion, especially on vehicles that are rarely braked hard. Brake pistons rust from salt ingress; brake discs rust up extremely quickly due to high iron content.
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.
Air conditioning loses refrigerant or the compressor fails. The condenser is damaged by stone impacts. Refrigerant top-up is a common procedure on vehicles over 100,000 km. Repair is labour-intensive.
Moisture enters the cabin through leaking windscreen seals or blocked air conditioning drain hoses. Passenger footwell is particularly affected. Risk of mould if water ingress goes undetected.
The air conditioning compressor loses performance early or fails completely. The condenser is damaged by stone impacts and loses refrigerant. Repair is expensive, especially compressor replacement.
Water enters through a leaking windscreen seal or blocked air conditioning drain hoses into the passenger footwell. Moisture can damage control units under the carpet.
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.
Weld seams on the bonnet, tailgate and doors were poorly pre-treated — paint peels and rust sets in. Typical around the tailgate badge area. A cosmetic issue that requires extensive paint repair.
Tail lights take on moisture, causing bulb failures and contact corrosion. A known issue on older examples. Seal checks and optionally a desiccant pack as preventive measures.
Dashboard and interior trims develop pronounced creaking and rattling at higher mileage. Seat backrest adjustment fails occasionally. A typical long-term problem that reduces value.
Central locking, windows and small control units can fail through faulty relays, blown fuses or cable breaks in the tailgate hinge area. Earth points are a known weakness on older examples.
The front anti-roll bar drop links and axle joints wear prematurely. Regularly flagged at MOT inspections. Inexpensive repair but frequently recurring.
Central locking, electric windows and small control units fail through faulty relays or broken cables in the tailgate hinge area. Cable breaks occur from bending during opening.