Fiat Tipo
Conventional T-Jet turbocharged petrol with fixed valve timing (NO MultiAir). Significantly more reliable than the 140 hp MultiAir sibling, as the failure-prone electrohydraulic valve actuation is absent. Good choice for the Tipo with regular oil changes.
Solid Everyday Engine
The 120 hp T-Jet in the Tipo is a conventional turbopetrol without MultiAir risk. More reliable than the 140 hp MultiAir, but not a fun engine.
Engine Weaknesses 2
The T-Jet turbo is simpler in design than the MultiAir turbo, but shows bearing wear at higher mileages. Significantly less common than on the 140 hp MultiAir, as oil quality is less stressed.
Symptoms: Power loss, increasing turbo lag, whistling under load
As a direct injection engine, the T-Jet is also prone to fuel ingress into the engine oil on short trips. Less critical than on the MultiAir, since no sensitive hydraulics are affected.
Symptoms: Fuel smell in engine oil, rising oil level, declining oil quality
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.