Fiat Fiorino Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Fiat Fiorino is a compact van that’s well-loved for its practicality and fuel economy. But like any van, it’s not without its problems. In this human-written guide, we’ll look at the most common Fiat Fiorino issues and how much they typically cost to fix in the UK.
1. Suspension Problems
Common Signs:
- Knocking noises going over bumps
- Uneven tyre wear
- Rough ride
Causes:
Worn top mounts, aging springs, or failed rear suspension bushes.
Repair Cost:
About £150 to £300 per side depending on the parts and garage.
2. Timing Chain Rattle (1.3 Multijet Diesel)
Common Signs:
- Rattling noise on cold start
- Rough idle
- Misfiring
Causes:
Timing chain stretch or tensioner failure, often due to infrequent oil changes.
Repair Cost:
Between £250 and £600. Includes a new chain, tensioner, and sometimes water pump.
3. DPF Blockage (Diesel Engines)
Common Signs:
- Loss of power
- Engine warning lights
- Limp mode
Causes:
Too many short trips and not enough motorway driving to regenerate the DPF.
Repair Cost:
- Forced DPF clean: £100 to £150
- New DPF: £800 to £1,400
4. Gearbox and Transmission Issues
Common Signs:
- Difficulty selecting gears
- Whining noise when driving
- Slipping in automatic versions
Causes:
Worn gear synchronisers or low transmission fluid. Automated gearboxes are known for reliability issues.
Repair Cost:
- Manual gearbox rebuild: £600 to £900
- Replacement gearbox: £1,200 or more
5. Turbo Whistle or Failure
Common Signs:
- High-pitched whistle under acceleration
- Lack of power
- Black or blue smoke from exhaust
Causes:
Turbo wear or boost leaks from cracked pipes.
Repair Cost:
- Diagnostic check: £80 to £120
- New turbo unit: £500 and up
6. EGR Valve Blockage
Common Signs:
- Engine hesitation
- Increased fuel use
- Emission light on dashboard
Causes:
Carbon buildup in the EGR valve, common in city-driven diesels.
Repair Cost:
£200 to £350 depending on the access and part needed.
7. Electrical and Heater Problems
Common Signs:
- Blower fan only works on certain settings
- Random dashboard warning lights
- Intermittent headlight or wiper faults
Causes:
Faulty fan resistors, weak relays or wiring corrosion.
Repair Cost:
- Fan resistor: £60 to £120
- Heater motor: £150 to £250
8. Power Steering Failure
Common Signs:
- Heavy steering
- No power assist
- Warning light on dashboard
Causes:
Electric power steering motor or sensor failure.
Repair Cost:
Between £400 and £700 depending on the part.
9. Clutch and Flywheel Wear
Common Signs:
- Clutch slipping
- Juddering when pulling away
- Stiff pedal
Causes:
High mileage or heavy use. Some models use dual-mass flywheels which wear faster.
Repair Cost:
- Clutch replacement: £450 to £700
- Flywheel (if needed): Add £500 to £700
Summary Table: Fiat Fiorino Common Problems & Costs
Problem | Symptoms | Typical Cost (UK) |
---|---|---|
Suspension issues | Knocking, uneven tyre wear | £150 – £300 per side |
Timing chain rattle | Rattling noise, misfire | £250 – £600 |
DPF blockage | Power loss, limp mode | £100 – £1,400 |
Gearbox trouble | Hard shifts, whining noise | £600 – £1,200+ |
Turbo issues | Whistling, poor performance | £80 – £500+ |
EGR valve problems | Hesitation, emissions light | £200 – £350 |
Electrical/heater faults | Blower failure, warning lights | £60 – £250 |
Power steering failure | Heavy steering | £400 – £700 |
Clutch/flywheel wear | Slipping, juddering | £450 – £1,200+ |
Final Thoughts
The Fiat Fiorino is a solid van when looked after, but neglect can make even small problems expensive. Most issues are common across small diesel vans, especially ones used mainly for stop-start town driving. Regular maintenance, long drives to keep the DPF clean, and timely oil changes can prevent many of these faults.
For peace of mind, always get a full mechanical inspection from a trusted source like CAREXAMER before buying a used Fiat Fiorino. Their nationwide mobile inspections are far more detailed and affordable than traditional options like the AA or RAC.
Buying a used VW. Buying used vauxhall, BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Volvo, Range rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Hyundai, Tesla, Honda, Pagani