Fiat Multipla
1.9L JTD with 85 kW in the Multipla 186. Solid diesel base engine, but with typical JTD weaknesses including EGR clogging, turbocharger wear and the risk of snapped timing belts if maintenance is neglected.
Listless Petrol in a One-Off
Distinctly lacking enthusiasm — the 1.6 pairs poorly with the tall body. Multipla fun is design polarisation, not driving dynamics.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The VTG turbocharger tends to seize its variable vanes due to soot deposits at high mileages. The symptom is severe power loss and no boost pressure build-up. A new charger costs from €400.
Symptoms: Significant power drop, no boost, turbo no longer whistles or howls unusually
Timing belt replacement interval is 120,000 km or 5 years. Overdue maintenance leads to belt failure and total engine damage. Also replace tensioners and water pump, as their failure can take the belt with it.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly won't start, loud snapping noise, total failure
The EGR valve tends to seize up due to soot deposits, especially during short-trip driving. The result is power loss, juddering under partial throttle and the engine warning light. Cleaning is often temporary; replacement is frequently required.
Symptoms: Juddering around 2,000 rpm, power loss, engine warning light, increased fuel consumption
Older injectors lose their sealing and can allow fuel to leak back. The result is that the rail pressure of at least 150 bar can no longer be reached. Starting problems after standing are an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Difficult cold start, engine only starts after several attempts, blue cold smoke
The mass air flow sensor can become contaminated by oil mist from the turbo-intercooler system or fail with age. Inaccurate readings cause power loss and incorrect control. Cleaning with isopropanol is often effective.
Symptoms: Power loss, poor throttle response, engine warning light, fault codes P0110/P0236
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
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.
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.
On older Multipla examples, brake lines rust and brake hoses become brittle. This presents a serious safety risk.
The Multipla's gearbox tends to develop noise in overrun, signalling impending gearbox damage. Singing in neutral indicates worn bearings.
On vehicles over 10 years old, underbody and exhaust rust is a widespread problem. Brake hoses and brake lines can also be affected by rust.
All CNG pressure vessels have a legal service life of 10 years and must be renewed thereafter. Sourcing and replacement are costly.
Defective alternators are a known problem across all engine variants of the Multipla. The alternator weakness affects petrol, diesel and bipower variants equally.
Due to the high body and considerable weight of the 6-seater, front axle components (control arms, bushes, tie rod ends) wear above average quickly.
The Multipla's control unit tends to over-sensitive fault diagnosis and reports problems that are not real. False warning lights unsettle owners.
Loose door seals cause wind and water noise. The passenger seat vibrates at certain engine speeds. Small plastic parts detach with increasing age.