2016-2023 (356) · 1.4L Turbocharged Petrol · 120 hp
Budget-friendly family hatchback offering Focus-sized space at Fiesta-level prices. Popular choice for first-time buyers and value-conscious drivers across Europe. The 1.4 T-Jet engine is a proven design dating back to 2008 and is generally reliable, though it requires timing belt replacement every 5 years. Main concerns: electrical gremlins from fuse box water ingress, window regulator failures, suspension wear (front wishbones, rear dampers), and brake pipe corrosion on older examples. The manual gearbox is more reliable than competitors, but build quality and interior materials lag behind rivals like Skoda and Seat.
Water leaks into fuse box causing corrosion and random electrical faults · more· less
The fuse box is located on the driver's side, just above the accelerator pedal. Leaves and debris accumulate under the windscreen scuttle, blocking drainage holes. Water then finds its way into the fuse box, causing rust and corrosion. Symptoms include central locking failure, electric window problems, and multiple communication errors (especially after rain). One 2017 Tipo owner reported 32 error codes after heavy rain, all traced to fuse box corrosion. Clean the fuse box with electrical contact cleaner and ensure scuttle drains are clear. Replacement fuse boxes cost €800 new from dealer, but second-hand units available for €100-150. DIY cleaning often resolves the issue if caught early.
Window regulator failure€150 - €400
Electric window mechanism fails with wire snapping, glass drops into door · more· less
The driver's window mechanism is particularly prone to failure. A wire inside the regulator snaps, causing the glass to drop into the door. This is a known weak point on Fiat models. Parts cost €40-80 for aftermarket regulators, with labor adding €100-250 depending on the garage. The job takes approximately 1 hour. Some owners report failures as early as 60,000 km. Both front windows can be affected, though the driver's side fails more frequently due to higher usage.
Timing belt & water pump replacement€500 - €750
Required maintenance every 5 years or 72,000 miles - interference engine · more· less
This is a scheduled maintenance item, not a fault, but critical because the 1.4 T-Jet is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, valves and pistons will collide, causing catastrophic engine damage requiring a rebuild. Official interval is 5 years or 120,000 km, but many owners and specialists recommend 4-5 years or 72,000 miles to be safe. Water pump should be replaced simultaneously as it's driven by the timing belt and accessible during the job. Independent garage pricing around €500-600 including parts and labor. Dealer pricing reaches €700-750. Job requires specialized timing tools.
Rear shock absorbers leaking€150 - €300
Dampers develop oil leaks around 3 years old or 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
Rear shock absorbers commonly develop leaks around 3 years of age, regardless of mileage. This is often picked up during MOT inspections as visible oil streaks on the damper body. While a light oil film is normal, noticeable fluid leaks indicate seal failure and require replacement. Symptoms include poor ride quality and increased body movement over bumps. Shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs. Parts cost approximately €50 per pair for budget options, with labor around €100-150 for both sides. Total replacement at independent garages: €150-220. Dealer pricing reaches €270-300 for the pair.
Front wishbone / ball joint failure€200 - €400
Knocking noise over bumps, typically occurs 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The wishbone ball joints wear with mileage and announce themselves with knocking sounds when driving over potholes or speed bumps. This is a common weak point on Fiat vehicles. Genuine Fiat parts cost around £60-120 per side, with pattern parts cheaper but potentially lower quality. Some owners report ball joint failures as early as 20,000 miles with aftermarket parts, suggesting genuine or quality aftermarket (like Lemförder) are recommended. Labor adds approximately €100-150 per side. Both front wishbones often need replacement around the same time due to similar wear patterns.
Turbo wastegate actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Carbon buildup causes actuator to stick, triggering EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if the car is driven gently or only used for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC warning light, limp mode (power limited around 3000 rpm), and overboost errors. The actuator rod can jam in its housing - often this can be freed with WD-40 and a screwdriver as a temporary fix. Actuator-only repair at specialist costs €500-600. However, if turbo internals are damaged from prolonged overboost, full turbo replacement costs €1,200-2,500. Prevention: regular "Italian tune-up" driving (spirited acceleration, occasional redline) and premium fuel help prevent carbon buildup. Most common after extended gentle driving patterns.
Brake pipes corrosion€200 - €600
Steel brake pipes rust through plastic coating, common MOT advisory/failure · more· less
The brake pipes on the Tipo are steel with plastic coating, and corrosion develops underneath where the coating is damaged or at pipe ends where coating doesn't extend fully. Some owners report MOT advisories for corroded brake pipes after just 5-6 years, which is poor for a relatively modern car. Surface rust can be addressed by removing rust and coating with underseal or waxoyl. However, once corrosion penetrates through, the pipes must be replaced. Replacement with cupro-nickel (copper-nickel alloy) pipes is recommended as they resist corrosion better than steel. Cost varies widely depending on how many lines need replacing. Single line: €100-200. Multiple lines: €400-600. This is a safety-critical component.
Dashboard display poor visibility€100 - €400
Digital display degrades with age, caused by faulty transistor · more· less
As the Tipo ages, the digital dashboard display can become very poor with parts of the LCD obscured or completely blank. This is caused by a faulty transistor rather than the entire display unit failing. Initially only portions like the fuel gauge and odometer are affected, before the entire display becomes unreadable. Many owners are quoted for complete dashboard replacement at €300-400, but specialists can repair the unit by replacing the faulty transistor for €100-150. Dashboard remanufacturing with higher-quality components is recommended over replacement, as new units use the same components that just failed.
Heater blower motor failure€150 - €350
Motor wears and fails, or resistor module burns out · more· less
The heater blower motor can fail without warning, though signs include unusual whirring noises from behind the dashboard, weak or inconsistent airflow, and rarely a burning plastic smell. Some owners report annoying metallic cricket-like sounds requiring motor replacement under warranty. Common causes include blown fuse (check first), bad blower motor resistor, or motor itself failing. The resistor controls fan speed and can burn out, especially if the motor is struggling due to worn internal components. Blower motor located under passenger dashboard. Replacement takes 1-1.5 hours. Parts: €80-150, labor: €70-200. Total: €150-350. It's recommended to replace the old blower motor when replacing the resistor to prevent resistor burnout from a struggling motor.
Central locking / door lock actuator€100 - €400
Door lock mechanisms fail to lock/unlock, often wiring or actuator fault · more· less
Central locking problems can be caused by several issues: faulty door lock actuator, blown fuse, dead key fob battery, or broken wiring in the door harness (where wiring passes from body to door under the rubber boot). If all doors are affected simultaneously, this points to a central issue like a bad earth or Body Control Module problem. One 2022 Tipo owner experienced all doors failing to lock/unlock at 237,000 km, traced to a defective plug connection which was repaired for €95. Door lock actuator replacement costs €150-400 depending on which door. Simple wiring/connection repairs: €95-150. Complete actuator replacement with labor: €250-400.
Decent value proposition, but watch for electrical and suspension issues
The Fiat Tipo offers excellent space and value for money, with a proven engine that's generally reliable when maintained properly. However, it suffers from typical Fiat weak points: electrical gremlins from water ingress, suspension component wear, and interior quality issues. The 1.4 T-Jet engine itself is robust - forum users call it "bullet-proof" - but requires religious timing belt changes. Most problems are predictable and well-documented, making pre-purchase inspection crucial. Budget-conscious buyers who maintain the car properly and address issues early can enjoy affordable, spacious motoring.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify timing belt was replaced at correct intervals (5 years maximum).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises or rough idle.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect underbody for corrosion.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Listen for knocks over bumps.
Specific for this vehicle
Test all electric windows
Operate each window fully up and down multiple times. Listen for grinding noises or slow movement indicating imminent regulator failure.
Check fuse box for corrosion
Ask to inspect the fuse box (driver's side, above accelerator pedal). Look for rust, corrosion, or water damage. Check scuttle drains under windscreen for debris.
Verify timing belt replacement history
Critical - confirm timing belt was replaced within last 5 years or 72,000 miles with documentation. Ask if water pump was replaced simultaneously. Budget €500-750 if overdue.
Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
Look at all four shock absorber bodies for oil leaks or misting. Check for excessive body movement over bumps during test drive.
Listen for suspension knocks
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Knocking from front suspension indicates worn wishbone ball joints.
Check for EPC warning light
During test drive, accelerate firmly and watch for EPC light or limp mode, indicating turbo wastegate issues.
Inspect brake pipes for corrosion
Check underneath for rusty brake pipes, especially where plastic coating is damaged. Look for bubbling rust or heavy corrosion.
Test dashboard display visibility
Check all areas of the digital dashboard are clearly visible. Look for dead pixels or dark sections.
Test heating and air conditioning
Run blower motor at all speeds. Listen for unusual whirring or grinding noises from behind dashboard.
Check central locking operation
Lock and unlock all doors multiple times with key fob and interior switches. Ensure all doors respond correctly.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Airbag control module software (Oct 2020 - Feb 2021)Verify completed
Contact a Fiat dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The airbag software recall is particularly important as it may fail to activate airbags without warning the driver.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on most Tipos
Extended warranty optionsAvailable from third-party providers
Typical extended warranty cost€300-500/year
All 2016-2019 Tipos are outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Extended warranty is available from third-party providers like Warranty Direct or local insurers. Coverage typically includes mechanical and electrical components but may exclude wear items like brake pads and clutch. Consider extended warranty if buying higher-mileage examples (100,000+ km) to protect against unexpected repair costs.
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.