Fiat Punto 188
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
131 PS
1.9L MultiJet Diesel
T-Jet with Real Punch
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The Fiat Punto 188 is available with 5 engine variants — from 60 to 131 hp.
The Fiat 1.3L MultiJet I (Diesel, 69 PS) has the 188A9 (1.3L MultiJet I) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.2L 16V (Benziner, 80–86 PS) has the 188A5 (1.2L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.2L 8V (Benziner, 60 PS) has the 169A4 (1.2L 8V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L 16V (Benziner, 95 PS) has the 843A1 (1.4L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.8L 16V (Benziner, 131 PS) has the 183A1 (1.8L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power Steering Fails The electric power steering of the Punto 188 fails frequently, initially intermittently. The cause is usually defective relays on the control board of the servo motor. Symptoms: Power steering warning light illuminated, steering suddenly heavy, fault temporarily resolved by restarting from 100,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Kia Rio JB
Kleinwagen (2005–2011)
Suzuki Swift IV
Kleinwagen (2005–2010)
Toyota Yaris XP90
Kleinwagen (2005–2011)
VW Polo IV (9N3)
Kleinwagen (2005–2009)
VW Fox I
Kleinwagen (2005–2011)
Mitsubishi Colt Z30
Kleinwagen (2004–2012)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the Fiat Punto 188 (1999–2007) — 35 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Steering, Gearbox, Rust, Body.
Punto (188A9, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump wear at high mileage, Injector sealing problems when engine is warm, EGR valve stuck and causing limp mode. Power: 69 PS.
Punto (199A2, 2005–2018) — Be Careful: DPF blockage with short-trip use, Turbocharger: vanes bent or worn, High-pressure pump: clattering and wear. Power: 69–80 PS.
Punto (199A3, 2005–2018) — Be Careful: Turbocharger: bent vanes or overboost fault, DPF blockage, High-pressure pump: clattering and premature wear. Power: 84–95 PS.
Punto (199A5, 2005–2014) — Be Careful: Turbo damage from oil supply deficiency, Dual-mass flywheel wear, EGR valve stuck. Power: 130 PS.
Punto (188A5, 1999–2007) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket — systemic weak point, Timing belt — interference engine with tensioner issues, Hydraulic tappets — rattling when oil is low. Power: 80–86 PS.
Punto (169A4, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket failed, Water pump leaking / faulty, Ignition coil failure with misfires. Power: 60 PS.
Punto (843A1, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket leaking, Water pump as timing belt tensioner — coolant loss, Timing belt — interference engine with zero tolerance. Power: 95 PS.
Punto (183A1, 2003–2005) — Be Careful: Timing belt — engine protection essential, Valve carbon build-up on Bipower variant, Alternator failure. Power: 131 PS.
Punto (169A4, 2005–2018) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket failed, Water pump leaking / faulty, Ignition coil failure with misfires. Power: 60–69 PS.
What to watch out for with the Fiat Punto? 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