Fiat Bravo 198
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
163–165 PS
2.0L MultiJet Diesel
MultiAir Highlight in the Bravo
Fun to Drive!150 PS
1.4L T-Jet Turbo Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good ChoiceEngine Overview
The Fiat Bravo 198 is available with 7 engine variants — from 90 to 165 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Fiat 1.6L MultiJet (Diesel, 105–120 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 198A2 (2007–2014, Be Careful) und 198A2 (2008–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L MultiJet!
The Fiat 1.9L MultiJet (Diesel, 116–120 PS) has the 192A8 (1.9L MultiJet) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.9L MultiJet 16V (Diesel, 150 PS) has the 937A5 (1.9L MultiJet 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 2.0L MultiJet (Diesel, 163–165 PS) has the 198A8 (2.0L MultiJet) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L 16V (Benziner, 90 PS) has the 192B2 (1.4L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L MultiAir Turbo (Benziner, 140 PS) has the 198A7 (1.4L MultiAir Turbo) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L T-Jet Turbo (Benziner, 120–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 198A4 (2007–2014, Be Careful) und 198A1 (2007–2014, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L T-Jet Turbo!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Premature Clutch Wear The clutch is one of the most common wear items on the Bravo 198. Grinding noises when engaging indicate urgent attention needed. Full replacement including bearing and shaft seal generates high labour costs. Symptoms: Grinding or rasping noise when engaging gears, clutch not biting cleanly, smell of burnt lining from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Poor Gear Engagement When Warm Especially on the 1.9 Multijet, owners report difficult gear engagement when the gearbox is warm. The 4th to 5th gear transition is most affected. Symptoms: Gears difficult or impossible to engage when warm, especially 4th to 5th; shifts fine when cold from 80,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
Audi A3 8V
Kompaktklasse (2012–2020)
Audi S3 8V
Kompaktklasse (2012–2020)
Honda Civic FK1
Kompaktklasse (2012–2017)
Hyundai i30 GD
Kompaktklasse (2012–2015)
Kia Ceed JD
Kompaktklasse (2012–2018)
Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W176
Kompaktklasse (2012–2018)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 46 weaknesses have been documented for the Fiat Bravo 198 (2007–2014) — 31 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Rust, Suspension, Electronics. Considered reliable: 198A1 (1.4L T-Jet Turbo), 198A7 (1.4L MultiAir Turbo).
Bravo (198A2, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Production defect crankshaft (model year 2016), Timing belt failure when overdue, Heat exchanger failure with oil-coolant mixing. Power: 105 PS.
Bravo (192A8, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: VTG turbocharger seized by deposits, Timing belt replacement every 120,000 km / 5 years, Swirl flap breakage in intake manifold. Power: 116–120 PS.
Bravo (937A5, 2007–2008) — Be Careful: Turbo damage from condensation water, Timing belt maintenance interval critical, EGR valve failure with DPF secondary damage. Power: 150 PS.
Bravo (198A2, 2008–2014) — Be Careful: Production defect crankshaft (model year 2016), Timing belt failure when overdue, Heat exchanger failure with oil-coolant mixing. Power: 116–120 PS.
Bravo (198A8, 2008–2014) — Be Careful: Driveshaft premature failure, Timing belt 150,000 km interval, EGR valve failure. Power: 163–165 PS.
Bravo (198A4, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Turbocharger failure (wastegate / bearings), Water pump leaking with secondary damage, Faulty crankcase breather membrane. Power: 120 PS.
Bravo (192B2, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Timing belt — interference engine with total damage risk, Electric power steering faulty, Cylinder head gasket leaking. Power: 90 PS.
What to watch out for with the Fiat Bravo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee