Fiat Tipo: Previous recalls and known problems of the compact Italian › autoirrtum.de

Since 2015 there has been a real little insider tip in the compact class from Italy with the Tipo from Fiat. Those who know the name will probably primarily remember the first Tipo Type 160, which Fiat built between 1988 and 1995. However, this has almost disappeared from today’s streetscape. Fiat’s latest Tipo, on the other hand, is a new development and is considered the direct successor to the Fiat Bravo and the Fiat Linea. So in principle it has nothing in common with the old Tipo, apart from the name.

What hasn’t really changed drastically in the last 25 years or so is Fiat’s reputation. So one or the other German still likes to scoff at the vehicles with the errors in all parts. However, the current models in particular show stamina and some Fiat models also do well in the breakdown statistics of the ADAC compared to the competition. So if you approach Fiats Tipo with an open mind, you have a good chance of getting a decent vehicle, for which you don’t have to hit a slot machine jackpot with a casino real money bonus without a deposit to be able to afford it, because Fiat Tipo is considered one of the cheapest vehicles in its class.

Admittedly, the Tipo, which still looks modern, is not entirely without flaws. In recent years, Fiat has had to bring its small compact car back to the workshop because of problems. In addition, the new price, which is cheap compared to the competition, does not leave the Tipo completely unaffected.

Recalls so far: Smaller, but also serious problems

According to the KBA (Federal Motor Transport Authority) database, there have been six recall campaigns that affected the Fiat Tipo. In addition to minor problems, such as faulty windscreen wiper motors, there were also some more urgent problems, which primarily and therefore noticeably often affected the airbags. The following recalls have taken place so far:

Recall KBA reference number 005912

• Date: 03/14/2016
• Deficiency: windshield wiper motor could fail due to a fault
• Affected models: Tipos from the first year of manufacture (2015 to 2015)
• Affected vehicles in Germany: Not known

Recall KBA reference number 006601

• Date: 12/01/2016
• Deficiency: Problems with the airbag wiring. Cables that are not routed correctly can lead to short circuits and unintentional deployment of the airbag. Due to the problem, the recall was monitored by the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
• Affected models: Tipos built between 2015 and 2016
• Affected vehicles in Germany: 4,054

Recall KBA reference number 006938

• Date: 05/03/2017
• Defect: A mixture ratio of the ignition chemicals that does not correspond to the manufacturer’s specifications can lead to the airbags not being deployed in the event of an accident. Due to the problem, the recall was monitored by the Federal Motor Transport Authority
• Models affected: Tipos built between 2016 and 2017. The recall also affected other Fiat models.
• Affected vehicles in Germany: Not known.

Recall KBA reference number 007049

• Date: 05/15/2017
• Defect: A mixture ratio of the ignition chemicals that does not correspond to the manufacturer’s specifications can lead to the airbags not being deployed in the event of an accident. Due to the problem, the recall was monitored by the Federal Motor Transport Authority
• Affected models: Tipos built in 2016 (2016 to 2016). The recall also affected other Fiat models
• Affected vehicles in Germany: Probably 64

Recall KBA reference number 009466

• Date: 15.11.2019
• Deficiency: Failure of the urea injection due to a control error
• Affected models: Tipos built between 2018 and 2019
• Affected vehicles in Germany: Probably 16

Recall KBA reference number 010597

• Date: 02/23/2021
• Deficiency: Software problems can cause the airbags not to activate
• Affected models: Tipo MCA from the production period October 31, 2020 to February 09, 2021. Addressed the issue by updating the airbag module. Due to the problem, the recall was monitored by the Federal Motor Transport Authority
• Affected vehicles in Germany. Probably 761

All in all, the recall campaigns at the Tipo have so far been limited, which in the end speaks for the vehicle.

Fiat Tipo as a used car: cost pressure is noticeable in the quality

As a new car, the Tipo is considered a particularly attractive bargain. Without considering discounts, the compact car is now available from just under 17,000 euros. The new Tipo Cross with an SUV look is also available from many dealers for less than 20,000 euros. As an EU vehicle, the Tipo can also be purchased significantly cheaper. As a used vehicle, according to Auto Bild, it is impressive with its overall good value retention.

According to the Auto Bild used car test, anyone looking for a used Tipo should concentrate on vehicles that are as well maintained as possible. The compact Italian obviously just wants to be cared for and cared for. If this is not the case, he acknowledges this with one or the other problem, despite his comparatively young age. In addition, the low price is reflected in many points in the processing quality. According to Auto Bild, for example, the cheap door panels are often noticeable when driving through rattling and crackling. In addition, they become stained over time if they are poorly or inadequately cared for. Regular cleaning and care with a plastic care product can help here.

Other problems also affect the window regulators, which sometimes stop working completely or only partially. With diesel, it also happens that the particle filter becomes clogged. In winter and when it is cold, the Tipo also tends to jerk. The somewhat older engine technology is also noticeable in some points. For example, the 120 hp T-Jet engines consume around ten liters of fuel, which is no longer necessarily up-to-date. At the same time, the 95 hp entry-level variant ensures that you are forced to drive at a leisurely pace, at the latest when it is loaded. So Tipo drivers should not have sporty ambitions with this engine variant.

All in all, the tipos from the first years of construction are still in good shape. An age of almost five to six years should not be an insurmountable obstacle for a vehicle. The Fiat Tipo can even surprise you during its first general inspection. According to GTÜ and the used car report 2020 of the trade journal Auto Zeitung, the Tipo has the fewest defects in its vehicle class. We have also already tested the new Tipo on motoreport.tv. Problems therefore only occur frequently with older used vehicles that are more than three years old.

At Motorpeort we have already tested the latest generation of the Tipo: