2005–2018 Fiat Punto · common problems & known faults

Rust on sills, rear arches and around the tailgate

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Inspect sills and arches closely and check for filler

Electric power steering column faults causing heavy or lost assistance

Typically appears

70,000+ miles

What to inspect

Turn the wheel lock to lock at standstill and check for warning lights

Body computer and dashboard warning-light faults

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Check every warning light extinguishes and test all switches

Front drop links and top mounts knocking

Typically appears

60,000+ miles

What to inspect

Listen over bumps and check for clonks on full lock

1.3 MultiJet diesel injector wear and turbo issues

Typically appears

90,000+ miles

What to inspect

Look for smoke and check for injector replacement history

Oil weeping or dripping from the bottom of the engine due to a heavily corroded mild steel sump pan on 1.2 and 1.4 FIRE engines.

Typically appears

8-12 years

What to inspect

Look underneath the front bumper with a torch at the engine sump. Check for heavy flaking rust, blistering, or fresh oil droplets hanging from the pan.

Damp front passenger footwell carpets and a sweet smell in the cabin caused by a leaking heater matrix.

Typically appears

7-10 years

What to inspect

Press firmly into the passenger side front carpet to check for dampness. Run the heater on full hot and check for a syrupy smell or instant window misting.

Whining noises and excessive gear stick movement on models fitted with the M32 6-speed manual gearbox (1.4 T-Jet and 1.9 MultiJet).

Typically appears

60,000-100,000 miles

What to inspect

With the engine running and handbrake applied, engage first gear and find the biting point. Watch the gear lever closely; significant backward deflection indicates worn internal bearings.