Fiat Punto
The first 1.3 MultiJet is considered a fundamentally solid unit that performed well in numerous long-term tests. Weak points are the injection system at higher mileages and DPF operation. Without DPF and with consistent maintenance, mileages over 250,000 km have been documented.
Ticking Time Bomb
The notorious timing chain killer in Punto or Panda. No fun, just constant fear of catastrophic failure. Avoid.
Engine Weaknesses 4
From approximately 120,000 km, knocking noises from the engine bay can indicate high-pressure pump wear. The diagnosis is frequently confused with injectors.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking or clattering in engine bay, often at warm engine and mid-range rpm
At higher mileages, the ceramic ball sealing elements in the injectors fail, particularly at operating temperature. Warm-start difficulties without cold-start issues are the typical symptom.
Symptoms: Engine starts poorly or not at all when warm, no problem on cold start, sporadic starting issues
The EGR valve of the early 1.3 MultiJet tends to stick due to soot deposits. In this state, the ECU enters limp mode and the engine no longer revs above 2,500–3,000 rpm.
Symptoms: Limited to approximately 2,500 rpm, engine warning light, engine goes into limp mode
Vehicles with DPF (from approx. 2007) are susceptible to filter blockage when used exclusively in town. Unlike the successor 199B1, the filter geometry is less optimised.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, engine goes into limp mode
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
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.
Strut mounts (spring strut bearings) on the Punto 188 are a documented weak point. Water ingress into the ball bearings accelerates wear. Noises from around 30,000 km; revised Fiat parts resolve the problem permanently.
The automatic brake adjuster of the rear drum brake jams or fails, causing uneven braking and MOT defects. Frozen brake cable in winter makes the problem worse.
The second gear synchro ring wears prematurely. Typical symptom is stiff or crunching engagement of second gear. Clutches also have a short service life, often under 80,000 km.
The exhaust system rusts heavily on older examples, particularly at connecting flanges and the rear silencer. On the underbody, rust shows up mainly on engine mounts, sills and brake lines.
On the Punto 188, water enters preferentially below the windscreen and at the rear roof joint at the transition to the C-pillar. The passenger footwell is most frequently affected.
Corroded or broken ground cables cause a wide range of electrical malfunctions. Alternator, starter, fuel pump and speedo reading are all affected.
On older Punto 188s, valve cover gasket, sump and driveshaft gaiters frequently leak. The gearbox also tends to oil loss.
The wiper linkage of the Punto 188 jams or blocks — in several cases the wiper motor was replaced multiple times within the warranty period.
The clutch on the Punto 188 is considered short-lived — defects on clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder and clutch friction plate are common. Change intervals under 80,000 km are not unusual.
The blower motor resistor burns out. The blower then only works on the highest speed or fails completely. Cause: overheating resistor due to the blower motor bearings dragging.
The AC compressor of the Punto 188 loses refrigerant through leaking hoses and connections with increasing age. Early compressor failures through dry running documented from around 40,000 km.
Before the facelift (up to around 2003), the headlights of the Punto 188 tend to collect moisture. The housing seals age and allow water to penetrate.
The dashboard of the Punto 188 creaks over bumps. Seats with loose backrest catch and creaking door trim are typical signs of ageing from around 80,000 km.