Fiat Linea
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.
Lots of Car, Little Engine
With 66 kW just about motorway-viable. The Linea is a load carrier with a boot — fun is not part of the package.
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 8
The underbody protection of the Fiat Linea is of poor quality and detaches early. Without retreatment, suspension components and welds corrode.
The Linea 323 can develop charging problems due to alternator failure. Battery problems and charging system faults from defective alternators are documented.
Rear strut mounts on the Linea 323 need to be replaced regularly. They produce rattling noises and deteriorate driving stability.
Cheap plastics in the Linea 323 interior tend to creak and squeak. Seat backrests squeak, interior trims sit loosely.
Door locks can fail and warning lights illuminate without identifiable faults. Rear light housings collect water. Spare parts have long delivery times.
Creaking or rattling suspension noises indicate worn shock absorbers. Uneven tyre wear due to wheel alignment issues.
Brake pads and discs on the Linea produce squealing and vibrations. Insufficient braking performance due to defective calipers or leaking brake lines is also known.
The paint on the Fiat Linea is very thin and vulnerable to stone chips. Owners report numerous stone chip marks after as little as 10,000 km. Rust quickly forms at chip sites.