Budget-friendly Italian city car with cheap parts and solid FIRE engine, but plagued by build quality issues and electric power steering failures. The 1.4 FIRE engine is proven and mostly bulletproof if maintained, though head gaskets can fail prematurely on neglected examples. Interior trim falls apart, power steering motors die frequently, and rust appears around wheel arches and underneath. Avoid the Dualogic automatic - the manual is far more reliable. Good as a cheap A-to-B car if you accept ongoing minor issues.
Common failure of EPS motor, starts intermittent then becomes permanent · more· less
Fiat Puntos from 1999-2012 are notorious for electric power steering motor failures. The fault typically starts as intermittent heavy steering in one direction, then progresses to complete failure. Main cause is the torque/position sensor failing, though low voltage from a weak battery or alternator also contributes. Relays inside the motor frequently fail. Reconditioned steering columns cost €350-600 fitted, while new units from Fiat dealers can exceed €800. Budget option: used units from scrapyards for around €70, though reliability is unknown.
Head gasket failure€400 - €800
FIRE engine prone to head gasket issues, typically 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 1.4 FIRE engine is generally reliable but head gaskets can fail prematurely, especially if cooling system is neglected. Typical failure occurs around 60,000 km but can happen earlier. Symptoms include coolant loss without visible leaks, white smoke from exhaust, or milky oil. Repair costs €400-600 at independent garages, up to €800 at dealers. Critical: head must be skimmed when replacing gasket or it won't last. Most failures are caused by overheating from low coolant - check coolant levels regularly as these cars can weep from heater hose connections.
Timing belt and water pump€300 - €650
Scheduled replacement every 60,000 km or 4-5 years, whichever comes first · more· less
The 1.4 FIRE engine requires timing belt replacement at 60,000 km or 4-5 years. Independent garages charge €240-370 including belt, tensioner, and water pump. Dealers charge €480-650. Always replace water pump at same time - similar labor cost and prevents future issues. The FIRE is a non-interference engine, so if the belt snaps you won't destroy valves, but you'll still need recovery and a new belt fitted. Verify replacement history before purchasing any used Punto.
Interior trim falling apart€50 - €300
Poor build quality causes trim to work loose, squeak, or fall off entirely · more· less
The Punto Evo has well-documented interior quality problems. Glovebox, door cards, headlining, and dash trim work loose or detach entirely. Dashboard vents warp and don't sit flush even when new. Seat coverings are fragile and wear quickly. Trim catches snap requiring cable ties as makeshift fixes. Doors may not stay shut or lock properly, trapping occupants inside or outside. Most of these are annoying rather than expensive, but replacement trim from Fiat is costly and doesn't solve the underlying design issues.
Semi-automatic gearbox has high failure rate with actuator and hydraulic issues · more· less
The Dualogic semi-automatic transmission is notoriously unreliable. Common failures include clutch actuator, hydraulic pump, gear selector, and transmission control module. Symptoms: erratic shifts, inability to engage gears, clunky changes, slow response, warning lights. Main dealers charge €4,000+ for complete replacement. Independent specialists can repair specific components (actuator, solenoid, pressure sphere) for €400-1,500, saving considerable money. Automated manuals like this are hit-or-miss - manual gearbox Puntos are far more reliable. Avoid Dualogic unless priced accordingly.
Shock absorbers and suspension bushes€200 - €500
Shocks wear quickly, drop links fail around 30,000-50,000 km · more· less
Punto Evos are known for rapid shock absorber wear, causing grinding noises when steering. Drop links (anti-roll bar links) are weak points, failing as early as 30,000-50,000 km with knocking sounds over bumps. Parts are cheap: drop links cost €10-35 per pair, shocks €17-60 each, suspension bushes €2-36. Labor adds €50-150 depending on garage. Some Punto Evo models never had anti-roll bars from factory, so verify before ordering parts. Expected shock absorber life is 130,000-150,000 km with proper maintenance.
Rear brake calipers seizing€150 - €400
Rear calipers on Sporting models particularly prone to seizing · more· less
Rear brake calipers on Punto Evos, especially Sporting models, are cheap quality and prone to seizing. Symptoms include dragging brakes, uneven pad wear, and burning smell. Caliper parts cost €35-110 each. Recommended replacement interval is 100,000-135,000 km. When replacing calipers, also inspect and possibly replace brake pads and discs. Apply copper grease to friction points during installation to prevent future seizing. Regular brake maintenance and checks help prevent this issue from becoming dangerous.
Rust on wheel arches and subframe€200 - €1,200
Rear wheel arches rust from inside out, subframe corrosion causes MOT failures · more· less
Fiat did not galvanize wheel arches on Punto Evos. Rear wheel arches are particularly vulnerable - thin inner skin gets hammered by road debris and holds moisture. Paint bubbles externally while metal disintegrates underneath. Poking reveals holes you can see through. Rear axle subframe corrosion is serious and causes technical inspection failures. Rear subframe replacement is technically easy but expensive, sometimes costing nearly as much as the car's value. Other rust-prone areas: back left corner of engine bay, sills from improper jacking, rear floor drain holes. Check thoroughly before purchase.
Electrical sensor failures€100 - €400
Lambda sensor, ECU issues, stop/start system problems · more· less
Common electrical gremlins include engine management light for lambda (oxygen) sensor or water temperature sensor failures. Stop/start system can be erratic, with owners spending hundreds replacing batteries and sensors without solving issues. Dashboard lights malfunction or require hitting dash to work. Window motors, seat belt sensors, and wiper linkages fail regularly. Many electrical issues are minor annoyances rather than major failures. Lambda sensors and basic diagnostic work cost €100-200, while chasing persistent electrical faults can exceed €400 without guaranteed resolution.
Cheap to buy and run, but expect ongoing niggles
The Punto Evo 1.4 is a budget car with budget quality. The FIRE engine is generally reliable if maintained properly, but everything surrounding it tends to fall apart. Power steering failure and interior trim issues affect the majority of cars. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable than Dualogic. Best suited as an inexpensive city runabout where you accept occasional repairs and cosmetic issues. Parts are cheap and widely available, but labor costs accumulate quickly with multiple problems.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify timing belt changes every 60,000 km or 4-5 years. Oil changes should be more frequent than dealer recommendations - every 10,000 km maximum.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. Common sizes: 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16 depending on model.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, check coolant temperature rises normally.
Body condition
Thoroughly check wheel arches, sills, boot lid for rust. Look underneath for subframe corrosion.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test all electrical systems.
Specific for this vehicle
Test electric power steering thoroughly
Turn steering lock-to-lock while stationary and while moving slowly. Check for heaviness, vibration, groaning sounds, or intermittent assistance loss. This is the most critical check.
Inspect all wheel arches for rust
Look at inner and outer surfaces of rear wheel arches especially. Poke gently with finger - if metal feels soft or you see paint bubbling, corrosion is advanced.
Check coolant level and condition
Coolant should be full and clean. Check for leaks around heater hoses. Low coolant is primary cause of head gasket failure.
Test all interior trim and electrical items
Check glovebox stays closed, door cards are attached, headlining isn't sagging. Test every electrical switch, window, lock, dashboard light.
Verify timing belt replacement history
Must be changed every 60,000 km or 4-5 years. Check service records or walk away. Ask if water pump was replaced simultaneously.
Dualogic gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive for 20+ minutes to get transmission fully warm. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking, warning lights. Strongly consider avoiding Dualogic models entirely.
Listen for suspension knocking
Drive over speed bumps and rough surfaces. Knocking from front indicates drop links, knocking from rear suggests suspension bushes.
Check for engine management light
Any warning lights on dashboard indicate sensor or ECU issues. Get diagnostic codes read before purchase.
Inspect underneath for rust and oil leaks
Check subframe, sills, floor pan. Early models can have sump rust. Look for oil leaks from engine, gearbox seals.
Gearbox pinion bearing wear (2010-2012 M32)Check with dealer
Contact a Fiat dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. The steering shaft recall is particularly important. Note: Fiat was not sold in the US market, so NHTSA database has limited Punto information.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty4 years / 50,000 miles - Expired
Extended warrantyAvailable through Fiat
All 2009-2012 Punto Evos are outside original factory warranty. Fiat extended warranty available for additional 24 months or up to 150,000 km cumulative. Independent garages can service without voiding warranty per 2002 EU Block Exemption law. Given reliability issues, extended warranty may not be cost-effective on older Puntos.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.