Fiat Tipo 356
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
136–140 PS
1.4L MultiAir Turbo Benzin
Power without Soul
Decent120 PS
1.4L T-Jet Turbo Benzin
2 weaknesses
Good Choice136–140 PS
1.4L MultiAir Turbo Benzin
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Fiat Tipo 356 is available as Schrägheck and Kombi and Limousine — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Engine Overview
The Fiat Tipo 356 is available with 8 engine variants — from 65 to 140 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Fiat 1.3L MultiJet II (Diesel, 95 PS) has the 55266963 (1.3L MultiJet II) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.6L MultiJet (Diesel, 105 PS) has the 198A2 (1.6L MultiJet) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.6L MultiJet II (Diesel, 114–131 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 55260384 (2015–2020, Be Careful) und 46346020 (2020–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L MultiJet II!
The Fiat 1.4L MultiAir Turbo (Benziner, 140 PS) has the 955A2 (1.4L MultiAir Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L T-Jet Turbo (Benziner, 120 PS) has the 955A2-TJet (1.4L T-Jet Turbo) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.6L E-Torq (Benziner, 110 PS) has the 955A3 (1.6L E-Torq) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.0L FireFly Turbo (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 70 PS) has the GSE-T3 (1.0L FireFly Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.5L FireFly Turbo Mild-Hybrid (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 131 PS) has the GSE-T4-MH (1.5L FireFly Turbo Mild-Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| UConnect Infotainment Faulty The UConnect infotainment in the Fiat Tipo (356) stands out for Bluetooth connection drops, DAB reception problems and sporadic system crashes. Symptoms: Bluetooth disconnects itself, DAB radio loses stations, touchscreen unresponsive, system fails to boot correctly after journey start | Low | |
| Battery Failure on Early Model Years Vehicles from model years 2016–2017 show more frequent battery failures than the class average. Weak original equipment battery. Symptoms: Vehicle fails to start, warning lights come on at startup, electronics behave erratically after a night outdoors | Low | |
| Window Regulator Defective Window regulators on the Fiat Tipo (356) can fail due to cable failure or motor failure. Replacement depending on side: €150–350. Symptoms: Window moves jerkily, window no longer goes up or down, noise from inside door from 80,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
BMW 2er U06
Kompaktklasse (2022–2025)
Audi RS3 8Y
Kompaktklasse (2021–2025)
BMW 2er Coupé G42
Kompaktklasse (2021–2026)
Honda Civic FL
Kompaktklasse (2021–2024)
Kia EV6 CV
Kompaktklasse (2021–2024)
Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W206
Kompaktklasse (2021–2025)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 51 weaknesses have been documented for the Fiat Tipo 356 (2015–2024) — 37 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 955A2 (1.4L MultiAir Turbo). Typical issues affect Electronics, Interior, Suspension, Body. Considered reliable: 955A2-TJet (1.4L T-Jet Turbo).
Tipo (198A2, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Production defect crankshaft (model year 2016), Timing belt failure when overdue, Heat exchanger failure with oil-coolant mixing. Power: 105 PS.
Tipo (55260384, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Turbocharger — failure at high mileage, Diesel particulate filter — blockage from short trips, EGR valve — carbon fouling and failure. Power: 114–120 PS.
Tipo (55266963, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Turbo overboost fault and limp mode, DPF blockage (Euro 6 system), High-pressure pump: wear and clattering. Power: 95 PS.
Tipo (46346020, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: ECU faulty, Cylinder head gasket leaking, Ignition coils faulty. Power: 130–131 PS.
Tipo (955A2, 2015–2020) — Stay Away!: MultiAir unit failed, Turbocharger failure, Spark plugs oil-fouled (misfires). Power: 140 PS.
Tipo (955A3, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner pad wear, Oil ingress into intake tract via crankcase ventilation, Ignition Coil Failure. Power: 110 PS.
Tipo (GSE-T3, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: EGR Fault Requires Complete MultiAir Replacement, Turbocharger Lag and Premature Wear, Increased Oil Consumption Due to Piston Ring Issue. Power: 70 PS.
Tipo (GSE-T4-MH, 2022–2025) — Be Careful: eDCT Control Unit Defective, Recall F51L: Loose Fuel Lines, Oil Dilution with Short-Trip Use. Power: 131 PS.
What to watch out for with the Fiat Tipo? 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