The Fiat Punto is one of Fiat\u2019s most popular hatchbacks in the UK. It\u2019s compact, efficient and cheap to run, which is why it\u2019s a common choice for first-time drivers and commuters. However, over the years, the Punto has developed a reputation for some recurring mechanical and electrical faults. If you’re considering buying one or already own a Punto, here\u2019s a breakdown of the most common problems and what they cost to fix in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong> What goes wrong<\/strong> Cost to fix<\/strong>
One of the most frequent complaints from Punto owners is sudden loss of power steering. This is usually caused by a failed electric steering column or motor. The steering becomes heavy and a red warning light appears on the dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A reconditioned steering column typically costs between \u00a3350 and \u00a3600 fitted. A brand new unit can cost upwards of \u00a3800, but most people opt for a refurbished part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2. Suspension Issues and Noisy Springs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Puntos regularly suffer from front coil spring breakage, worn drop links and clunky rear suspension. This leads to knocks and rattles over bumps or while cornering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Front coil springs cost around \u00a3120 to \u00a3180 per side. Drop links or anti-roll bar bushes are cheaper, around \u00a380 to \u00a3120 for the pair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3. Overheating and Head Gasket Failure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines are prone to overheating if not maintained properly. Head gasket failure can cause creamy residue under the oil cap, poor engine performance and coolant loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head gasket replacement usually costs between \u00a3400 and \u00a3600. If the cylinder head needs skimming or the engine is heavily damaged, the cost can rise beyond \u00a3700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n4. Timing Belt Replacement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Punto\u2019s timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 miles or 5 years. If it fails, the engine can suffer serious internal damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Timing belt and water pump kit replacement costs around \u00a3300 to \u00a3450. Delaying this job risks a complete engine rebuild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n5. Clutch and Gearbox Faults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The clutch can start slipping and the gearbox may become noisy, especially on older or higher-mileage models. Gear linkages and bearings are also common wear points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clutch replacement: \u00a3400 to \u00a3600
Used or repaired gearbox: \u00a3500 to \u00a3800 fitted<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n6. Electric Window and Door Lock Failures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric windows can stop working due to failed regulators. Door locking problems often relate to worn motors or faulty wiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electric window repair: \u00a3100 to \u00a3150 per door
Central locking motor: \u00a380 to \u00a3120<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n7. Warning Lights and Sensor Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Airbag, ABS and engine management lights may come on due to faulty wheel sensors, ECU issues or poor battery voltage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnostics: \u00a360 to \u00a390
Sensor replacement: \u00a3100 to \u00a3180 depending on the sensor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n8. Rear Axle Wear or Rust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On older Puntos, rear axle bushes wear out and some models suffer from axle rust. This causes uneven tyre wear and loose handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bush replacement: \u00a3150 to \u00a3250
Complete rear axle: \u00a3400 to \u00a3700 including fitting<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n9. Heater Fan Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If the interior fan only works on the highest setting or stops working entirely, the resistor pack has likely failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heater blower resistor: \u00a360 to \u00a3100<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n10. Exhaust Mounting or Backbox Corrosion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The back section of the exhaust tends to rust over time. Broken mounts or rattling can also be caused by snapped rubber hangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Backbox replacement: \u00a3100 to \u00a3150
Mounting rubbers or brackets: \u00a340 to \u00a370<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFiat Punto Repair Cost Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n