Fiat Tipo
The 1.6 MultiJet is technically mature and delivers good mileages if the timing belt is changed on schedule. A production defect with undersized crankshafts affected early Tipo examples from 2016. Blocked DPF and low-rpm hesitation are the most common everyday issues.
Dull Duty
1.6 diesel in the Tipo or 500X: mileage accumulator without emotion. DPF, injector and dual-mass flywheel problems make the already joyless drivetrain a risk.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Early Tipo examples from 2016 production had incorrectly short crankshafts fitted. These can lead to complete oil pressure loss and total engine damage. Fiat instructed dealers to completely replace the affected engines.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, oil pressure warning, knocking from engine, sudden engine stop
The 1.6 MultiJet is a timing belt engine with interference principle. Exceeding the replacement interval of 120,000 km or 6 years risks belt failure with catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stop, engine won't start again, metallic noises when attempting to start
Individual vehicles showed early failure (under 20,000 km) of the heat exchanger with oil entering the cooling system. Fiat recognised the problem and replaced the cooler as a goodwill gesture.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge rises rapidly, loss of heating capacity, oil visible in coolant reservoir
The EGR valve of the 1.6 MultiJet tends to carbon up and delays torque build-up. Typically manifests as poor throttle response up to approximately 2,000 rpm.
Symptoms: Delayed throttle response, engine hesitant to rev, sporadic power loss
During active DPF regeneration, the engine judders heavily at low revs, especially below 2,000 rpm. This behaviour is often interpreted by drivers as an engine fault.
Symptoms: Heavy juddering below 2,000 rpm, poor throttle response, fuel consumption display drops in steps
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
Recall on the Fiat Tipo (356) for faulty airbag wiring in the steering wheel. Affected model years 2015–2016.
Recall action 2020–2021 on the Fiat Tipo (356) for software faults in the restraint moments.
Recall on the Fiat Tipo (356) for non-conforming airbag charge quantity.
MOT reports show above-average braking efficiency defects for the Fiat Tipo (356). Brake discs rust quickly.
The DDCT dual-clutch gearbox in the Fiat Tipo (356) sometimes shifts erratically and judders on pull-away from rest. Earlier examples more frequently affected.
The UConnect infotainment in the Fiat Tipo (356) stands out for Bluetooth connection drops, DAB reception problems and sporadic system crashes.
The rear torsion beam axle of the Fiat Tipo (356) develops noises with increasing mileage. Rear axle bushes wear.
The AC condenser of the Fiat Tipo (356) is exposed to stone chip damage and can become leaky through corrosion. Replacement costs €400–700.
Exhaust system and underbody components on the Fiat Tipo (356) corrode above-average, already after 5–7 years with short-trip use.
Tie rod ends on the Fiat Tipo (356) wear earlier than the class average and are regularly flagged at MOT.
Vehicles from model years 2016–2017 show more frequent battery failures than the class average. Weak original equipment battery.
Window regulators on the Fiat Tipo (356) can fail due to cable failure or motor failure. Replacement depending on side: €150–350.
Door trims and interior plastics on the Fiat Tipo (356) rattle and creak at normal driving. Typical for this price segment.
Panel gaps on the Fiat Tipo (356) are sometimes uneven from the factory. Doors and bonnets can sit skewed. Not a safety defect but visually annoying.