Fiat Multipla 186
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
116–120 PS
1.9L MultiJet Diesel
Best Multipla Experience
Not Really105–110 PS
1.9L JTD Diesel
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Fiat Multipla 186 is available with 3 engine variants — from 103 to 120 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Fiat 1.9L JTD (Diesel, 105–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 182B4 (1999–2000, Stay Away!) und 186A6 (2000–2004, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L JTD!
The Fiat 1.9L MultiJet (Diesel, 116–120 PS) has the 186A9 (1.9L MultiJet) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.6L 16V (Benziner, 103 PS) has the 182B6 (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Premature Timing Belt Failure The 1.6-16V petrol engine is prone to early timing belt failures, often triggered by worn tensioner pulleys. Recommended maintenance interval is a maximum of 60,000 km or 4 years. Symptoms: No warning before failure; after failure, engine fails to start or runs extremely rough from 60,000 km | Medium | |
| Bipower Engines: Cylinder Head Damage from Valve Coking The CNG/petrol bipower variant suffers from valve coking in gas mode, since CNG does not fulfil the cleaning function of petrol on the intake valves. Symptoms: Engine stutters or jerks in gas mode, sudden stalling, engine fails to restart from 100,000 km | High | |
| CNG Tank Certification Expired All CNG pressure vessels have a legal service life of 10 years and must be renewed thereafter. Sourcing and replacement are costly. Symptoms: MOT refuses approval for CNG operation; vehicle runs on petrol only; expiry date on gas tank exceeded | High |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 28 weaknesses have been documented for the Fiat Multipla 186 (1998–2010) — 18 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: 182B4 (1.9L JTD), 186A6 (1.9L JTD), 186A9 (1.9L MultiJet). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Suspension, Rust.
Multipla (182B4, 1999–2000) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger VTG mechanism seized, Timing belt failure due to overdue replacement, EGR valve carbon build-up and failure. Power: 105–110 PS.
Multipla (186A6, 2000–2004) — Stay Away!: Timing belt failure risk on older vehicles, Turbocharger failure due to stuck VTG vanes, EGR valve stuck and seized. Power: 105–116 PS.
Multipla (186A9, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing belt failure — total engine damage risk, Turbocharger wear at high mileage, EGR valve failure from short-trip use. Power: 116–120 PS.
Multipla (182B6, 2002–2010) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket — frequent failure, Timing belt replacement — high error risk, Camshaft sensor and ECU prone to faults. Power: 103 PS.
What to watch out for with the Fiat Multipla? 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