Fiat Punto
The 90 hp variant of the 1.3 MultiJet shares all the basic weaknesses with the 75 hp version, but is more often driven hard, which puts more stress on the turbo and high-pressure pump. With a maintained service history and mixed driving it's a reliable engine.
Solid Standard Petrol
90 hp with 16-valve head revs a little more willingly than the 8V base. Adequate in the city, already sluggish on country roads — everyday engine without enthusiasm.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The VTG turbocharger of the 90 hp version shows power loss and overboost faults (P0236, P0045) at 120,000 km. The turbo behaves temperature-dependently — no boost when cold, partially better when warm.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, no boost build-up on cold start, overboost faults in memory, power loss
With frequent short-trip use, the DPF does not fully regenerate. From 100,000 km, ash can no longer be burned out; cleaning or replacement becomes necessary.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, significant power loss, increased consumption, limp mode
The high-pressure pump tends to premature wear with poor fuel quality or contamination. Repair costs are just under €1,000 including labour.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering when warm, starting problems, rough idle
The EGR valve carbons up after 80,000–120,000 km of operation and is difficult to access on the 1.3 MultiJet. Cleaning is possible but requires removal of several ancillary components.
Symptoms: EGR fault in fault memory, delayed power delivery, power loss under partial load
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
On the Fiat Punto (199), dashboard lighting and interior lighting frequently fail due to loose connectors. Engine control unit faults especially on models up to 2007.
Wheel arches and sills on the Fiat Punto (199) rust above-average. At MOT, vehicles from the fourth inspection onwards disproportionately often have serious defects.
The electric power steering on the Fiat Punto (199) frequently fails at higher mileage, making the steering noticeably heavier. Repair costs €500–800.
AC compressors on the Fiat Punto (199) fail more frequently than average at higher mileage. Replacement compressor costs €400–700 plus fitting and recharging.
Strut mounts and drop links on the front axle of the Fiat Punto (199) wear early and regularly cause defects at MOT.
Brake discs on the Fiat Punto (199) warp and lead to reduced braking performance. Handbrake also tends to reduced effectiveness.
Gear linkage bushes on the Fiat Punto (199) wear and cause stiff, imprecise shifting. Fifth gear can lock on the motorway.
Age-related seals on engine and gearbox of the Fiat Punto (199) start to seep oil, requiring regular top-ups.
Exhaust system of the Fiat Punto (199) corrodes early, particularly on short-trip drivers. MOT failures for inadequate emissions typical from 100,000 km.
Gas struts on the tailgate lose force and no longer hold the tailgate open. Door locks jam particularly in cold weather.