Lancia Ypsilon
First-generation Fiat MultiJet diesel with 75 hp. Economical to run, but prone to EGR fouling and turbocharger damage if oil change intervals are neglected.
City diesel with character
55 kW MultiJet saves fuel noticeably and offers solid torque — the most refined way through city traffic.
Engine Weaknesses 3
The small turbocharger on the 1.3 MultiJet is very sensitive to oil quality. Excessively long oil change intervals or poor-quality oil lead to premature turbocharger bearing failure.
Symptoms: Whistling from the engine bay, blue smoke on acceleration, dropping boost pressure, power loss
The diesel particulate filter blocks with frequent short-trip driving, as the engine does not reach the required regeneration temperature. Leads to power loss and limp mode.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power drop, higher fuel consumption, oil level rising from diesel dilution
The EGR valve of the 1.3 MultiJet clogs with soot deposits and causes rough idle and power loss. Cleaning every 60,000–80,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Judder at part load, increased soot output, fault code P0401, rough idle
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
EPS control unit or electric motor faulty — steering becomes extremely heavy. Frequently from 80,000 km. Replacement of the steering module costs 600–1,200 €.
Brake lines rust preferentially at the plastic retaining clips on the underbody. On older vehicles the entire brake system including wheel cylinders must be checked for corrosion.
Door lock actuators fail individually — door can no longer be locked/unlocked by remote or interior button. Driver's door most commonly affected.
Plastic window regulator guide breaks — window drops into the door or jams. Typical Fiat/Lancia defect on the range.
The front control arm rubber bushings wear prematurely and become sloppy. Anti-roll bar bushings also tend to crack. Typical knocking when going over bumps.
Shock absorbers tend to develop leaks from around 100,000 km. Vehicles at MOT are frequently flagged for worn dampers. Aftermarket parts are available.
From around 8 years of age, the sump tends to rust through. The subframe and exhaust manifold are also corrosion-prone. Lack of cavity sealing promotes salt damage.
Blower resistor burns out — fan only runs on the highest setting or not at all. A cheap wear part, but frequently affected on this model.
The plastic headlight lenses yellow heavily due to UV exposure. This impairs light output and leads to MOT failures.
