Alfa Romeo 1.4 T-Jet LPG
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.
Fun on autogas
120 hp and halved fuel costs — the LPG MiTo is the smart daily companion. Performance marginally below the petrol version, but noticeably cheaper to run.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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.
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
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.
The EGR valve tends to accumulate soot deposits from around 100,000 km and can stick. When stuck open the idle becomes unstable; when stuck closed emission limits are exceeded.
Symptoms: Rough idle, hard starting, engine warning light, power drop
The factory-fitted LPG system on the MiTo uses a LAE control unit. The gas supply lines and injectors can become leaky, causing misfires and power loss in gas mode. Leaking injectors smell of gas and pose a safety risk.
Symptoms: Misfires and rough running exclusively in gas mode, gas smell in engine bay, power loss on LPG, MIL on
LPG injectors wear out after 80,000–120,000 km and need to be calibrated or replaced. Uneven running in gas mode is the first sign.
Symptoms: Hesitation in LPG mode, gas/petrol switching problems, power loss on gas.
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.