Fiat Sedici
The 1.9L MultiJet D19AA in the Sedici (same engine as Suzuki SX4 DDiS) shows typical JTD weaknesses under aggravating conditions: higher vehicle weight and all-wheel drive place additional stress on engine and turbocharger.
Real Fun Only with Diesel
Real fun in the Sedici only comes with the 1.9 diesel — 280 Nm from 2,050 rpm, 6-speed shifts precisely, all-wheel drive uncomplicated. Surprisingly competent.
Engine Weaknesses 4
From around 150,000 km, DPF blockage becomes a recurring issue on the Sedici 1.9 JTD. Regeneration cycles occur in under 200 km; turbo failures from excess soot accelerate premature filter failure.
Symptoms: Engine warning light after under 200 km, limp mode, smoke at full throttle
Individual injectors (especially cylinder 3) develop leaks, causing fuel contamination of the oil and starting difficulties. The fault occurs more frequently at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Rough running on cold start, rising oil level, fuel smell in oil, rough idle
The EGR valve causes a characteristic power drop below 2,000–2,200 rpm on the Sedici 1.9 DDiS. The combination of EGR failure and blocked VGT filter on the turbocharger is the most common cause.
Symptoms: Almost no power below 2,000 rpm, only pulls normally from 2,200 rpm, engine warning light
Failed glow plugs on the Sedici 1.9 cause long cranking times of 5–10 seconds and cold start problems. In combination with a leaking injector on cylinder 3, severe starting difficulties have been documented.
Symptoms: Engine cranks 5–10 seconds on cold start, loud knock on delayed ignition, poor cold running
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Under intensive off-road use, the multi-plate clutch of the all-wheel drive system overheats. Automatic engagement transfers too little torque. Manual locking recommended for demanding terrain.
The rubber bushes in the rear axle suspension of the Sedici wear out and cause banging noises. Mainly affects vehicles with frequent four-wheel drive use on poor road surfaces.
The all-wheel drive indicator in the cockpit fails sporadically or shows incorrect status. Problem often caused by corroded connector at the viscous coupling. No actual AWD defect in many cases.
Shock absorbers on the Sedici show premature wear, particularly with regular use on unmade roads. Vague cornering behaviour and pitching are typical symptoms.
Some Sedici examples have soft rubber bushes in the control arms that produce severe steering vibration at 90–130 km/h. The problem worsens at higher ambient temperatures.
Brake discs on the Sedici quickly develop surface rust after rain or washing. After prolonged standing, pads can rust onto discs. MOT occasionally flags braking performance due to rust.