Lancia Ypsilon
Factory LPG version of the FIRE 1.2. Cheap to run on LPG, proven technology. Check valve seat wear and the gas system regularly.
Cheap, but sluggish
LPG makes driving cheaper, not faster — 51 kW for 1,050 kg is no pleasure.
Engine Weaknesses 3
LPG burns with fewer residues than petrol — the missing soot layer on the valve seats leads to increased wear and recession. Exhaust valves run hot and hammer microscopically against the seat. Gas-hardened valve seat inserts solve this permanently.
Symptoms: Compression loss, rough idle, declining power, higher gas consumption despite unchanged driving pattern.
The gas injectors become fouled by deposits in the LPG system. The result is uneven gas distribution and judder. Cleaning is often sufficient; in stubborn cases the injectors must be replaced.
Symptoms: Judder on gas operation, rough idle on gas, engine runs perfectly on petrol.
The rear crankshaft oil seal hardens with age and begins to leak. Oil seeps out at the engine-gearbox interface. The problem occurs equally in LPG and petrol variants.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, oil film on the gearbox housing, dropping oil level.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
EPS steering column module develops creaking and can fail completely. Lancia/Fiat has offered goodwill arrangements for affected vehicles up to 100,000 km.
Magnetic clutch of the AC compressor wears out, or the compressor itself has internal damage. AC no longer cools or makes noises when switched on.
Window regulator mechanism or motor fails — same problem as the predecessor 843. Window jams or drops into the door.
Shock absorbers show wear from around 80,000–100,000 km and are flagged at MOT. Replacement parts are available, but supply is limited for some variants.
The rear drum brakes tend to go oval, especially with intermittent use. Brake shoes wear unevenly. Regular inspection from 60,000 km recommended.
Corrosion can develop at the wheel arch edges on older vehicles, promoted by stone chips and inadequate paint protection. Mainly affects vehicles in regions with heavy salt use.
Temperature flap actuator motor in the heater/AC unit fails — only cold or only warm air from the vents.
The dashboard develops creaking and rattling noises on older vehicles. Clip connections on trim panels work loose with age. Typical problem from around 5 years.
