Fiat Multipla
1.9L MultiJet with 88 kW in the Multipla 186 and Doblo 223 (from 2005). First MultiJet generation with improved injection technology. EGR remains the main weak point.
Best Multipla Experience
Strongest JTD, best engine for the Multipla. Anyone buying a Multipla buys the design statement and the 6 seats — not the fun.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Replacement interval is 120,000 km or 5 years. Tensioners and water pump must always be replaced at the same time, as their failure can cause the belt to snap.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly won't start, loud mechanical noise on failure
Turbocharger failures between 120,000–180,000 km due to insufficient lubrication or stuck VTG vanes. Strict oil change intervals (max. 15,000 km) are essential.
Symptoms: Whistling noises, blue smoke, severe power drop, oil in intake tract
The EGR valve of the 186A9 is the known primary weak point of this engine family. Replacement after 80,000–100,000 km is often required.
Symptoms: Juddering under partial load, engine warning light, power loss, DPF unable to regenerate
Doblo 223 and Multipla are often operated heavily loaded, causing clutch and dual-mass flywheel to wear prematurely. Clutch and DMF should always be replaced together.
Symptoms: Vibrations when pulling away, clutch judder, difficult gear changes
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.