Fiat Idea
The 90 hp variant of the 1.3 MultiJet shares all the basic weaknesses with the 75 hp version, but is more often driven hard, which puts more stress on the turbo and high-pressure pump. With a maintained service history and mixed driving it's a reliable engine.
Loud above 4,000 rpm
Surprisingly agile at 66 kW thanks to the lightweight Idea body, but gets unpleasantly loud above 4,000 rpm. High centre of gravity demands caution.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The VTG turbocharger of the 90 hp version shows power loss and overboost faults (P0236, P0045) at 120,000 km. The turbo behaves temperature-dependently — no boost when cold, partially better when warm.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, no boost build-up on cold start, overboost faults in memory, power loss
With frequent short-trip use, the DPF does not fully regenerate. From 100,000 km, ash can no longer be burned out; cleaning or replacement becomes necessary.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, significant power loss, increased consumption, limp mode
The high-pressure pump tends to premature wear with poor fuel quality or contamination. Repair costs are just under €1,000 including labour.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering when warm, starting problems, rough idle
The EGR valve carbons up after 80,000–120,000 km of operation and is difficult to access on the 1.3 MultiJet. Cleaning is possible but requires removal of several ancillary components.
Symptoms: EGR fault in fault memory, delayed power delivery, power loss under partial load
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The engine control unit (ECU) can fail and limits top speed to 50 km/h, accompanied by a permanent fault message. Replacement part is very costly.
Ground point problems at the instrument cluster can deactivate all electric windows simultaneously. The driver's side switch opens both windows instead of just its own.
Water collects in the right front footwell and soaks into the insulation mats. The cause can be a blocked air conditioning condensate drain pipe or leaking windscreen seal.
Rattling or knocking noises from the front axle occur over road irregularities. Causes can be worn control arm bushes, ball joints or strut mounts.
From around 12–15 years of age, sills and wheel arches can start to rust. Typical weak spot for all Fiat models of this era: stone chips remove the zinc protection, salt attacks.
The Idea's air conditioning loses refrigerant over time. A recharge often only lasts 2 weeks, indicating leaking hoses or condenser.