Lancia Phedra
PSA diesel with 2.2 litres and 128 hp. Best-selling engine in the Phedra; good torque for the van. Timing chain instead of belt, but check injectors and turbo.
Big diesel for big families
Strong pull, suitable for full loads — driving enjoyment is a secondary concern.
Engine Weaknesses 3
The DPF on the DW12 blocks in short-trip driving and requires a forced regeneration or replacement. A typical problem for large-displacement diesel vans used in city conditions.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, limp mode, rising oil level
The variable guide vanes of the turbocharger in the DW12 can seize from deposits, causing power loss. Cleaning or replacing the turbocharger is required.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling, smoke, power hole in the mid-range
The EGR valve on the PSA DW12 (2.2 HDi) clogs with soot deposits. Regular cleaning is indispensable with city driving.
Symptoms: Judder, fault code P0401, power loss at part load, rough idle
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The Phedra is packed with electronics that are unreliable. Sudden limp modes, ESP/ASR warning messages, engine stalling — often not reproducible and barely diagnosable.
The electric sliding doors fail — often from faulty wiring looms in the guide channel or worn actuator motors. The door can then only be opened manually.
Entry sills rust through. Seam rust on doors and the boot lid also appears. Factory-applied cavity sealing was inadequate.
The fully automatic climate control switches randomly, blows cold air when heat is set or vice versa. Often caused by ECU problems or flap actuator motors.
Coolant loss on the Phedra from failed coolant hoses or early head gasket failure. Martens frequently bite through coolant hoses. Immediate replacement required.
The control arms on the Phedra wear with age and affect lane-keeping and steering precision. Replacement requires specialist knowledge as the vehicle is based on the PSA platform.
The fault message 'brake system defective' appears sporadically, caused by a weak battery. The actual brake system is often fine.
