Alfa Romeo 1.4 8V
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.
Alfa in Name Only
70 hp in the MiTo — even the Alfa badge can't help here. Add a 5-speed gearbox with long ratios that rob the already weak engine of any sprightliness.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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.
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.
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
Individual ignition coils on the 1.4 Turbo typically fail under full load or after a long motorway run. After cooling down the coil briefly recovers; swapping coils between cylinders is needed for a reliable diagnosis.
Symptoms: Stumbling and misfires under full load, flashing engine warning light, engine only revs to around 3,000 rpm
The alternator on the 1.4 FIRE 70 hp can lose its windings or regulator at high mileage. A typical early warning sign is the charging warning light or irregular voltage. Total failure drains the battery while driving.
Symptoms: Charging warning light illuminates, battery discharges while driving, voltage fluctuations on the vehicle electrical system, starting problems
The starter motor on the 1.4 FIRE 70 hp ages and spins without reliably engaging. The problem initially manifests sporadically and worsens over time until the engine no longer starts. Worn pinion gear or a failed overrunning clutch are the usual causes.
Symptoms: Engine only starts after multiple attempts, starter spins without engaging, grinding noise on starting
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.