Fiat Multipla
More powerful FIRE variant in the Fiat Stilo — fundamentally reliable, but notably sensitive to battery condition and electrics. Head gasket is a known weak point; timing belt replacement requires specialist tools and knowledge.
Diesel in a Design Statement
JTD in the Multipla — torque suits the tall body better than the petrol. Still: anyone buying a Multipla buys the design, not the driving fun.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The cylinder head gasket is a known weak point of the 182B6. Typical failure is from the water channel to the cylinder; the engine is not immediately destroyed as a free-runner when the timing belt breaks. Often occurs around 80,000 km; well-maintained examples can exceed 140,000 km without failure.
Symptoms: White steam on cold start, coolant empties quickly (within 70 km), temperature gauge fluctuates, rough idle
The timing belt replacement on the 182B6 cannot be performed correctly without special tools. The two camshaft pulleys tension against each other; if the belt breaks, valves are bent immediately. Repair costs often exceed the residual value of the vehicle.
Symptoms: Engine won't start after timing belt failure, metallic noises just before failure, power loss from worn tensioner
The 182B6 is extremely sensitive to weak batteries. The camshaft sensor and ECU then generate fault codes that can mislead workshops for months. Cleaning the connector contacts resolves many problems.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, rough running at ~1,950 rpm, misfires on cylinder 3, starting difficulties
Corroded connectors on the coolant temperature sensor make the engine think it is permanently cold. The lambda control loop then runs rich; fuel consumption rises above 16 l/100 km. Often fixable by cleaning the connectors.
Symptoms: Black, sooty spark plugs, fuel smell in exhaust, consumption above 14 l/100 km, black smoke when accelerating
On vehicles with over 150,000 km and irregular oil change history, the valve stem seals of the 182B6 wear out. Blue smoke when accelerating after prolonged standing is typical. Repair requires removal of the cylinder head.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust when pulling away after prolonged standing, increased oil consumption (above 0.5 l/1,000 km), oil film on spark plug tips
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.