About the Model
The Fiat Grande Punto was one of the best-selling small cars in Europe, and it is still extremely common on our roads. The most popular version is the 1.3 MultiJet diesel with 75 or 90 horsepower. We also see plenty of 1.4 petrol variants. The car is fundamentally solid, but it has specific weak points that repeat from one vehicle to the next. Here is what we see most often.
Most Common Faults We See
1. EGR Valve and Intake Manifold (1.3 MultiJet)
Symptom: Power loss, rough idle, check engine light comes on.
On the 1.3 MultiJet engine, the EGR valve is a chronic problem. Soot builds up inside the valve and intake manifold until the passage is completely blocked. When that happens, the engine barely pulls and the idle becomes unstable. Cleaning helps temporarily, but at higher mileage we usually recommend replacement.
2. DPF Filter (1.3 MultiJet)
Symptom: DPF warning light on the dashboard, car enters limp mode, power loss.
The Grande Punto with the 1.3 MultiJet engine and a DPF filter is a special case. The small engine does not produce enough exhaust heat to regenerate the filter efficiently, especially in city driving. If you only drive short trips, this engine will give you trouble. It needs the occasional longer run on the open road.
Tip: When the DPF light comes on, do not switch off the engine right away. Get on the open road and drive for 20-30 minutes at higher RPMs. If the light does not go off, come in for a forced regeneration.
3. Electric Power Steering
Symptom: Steering becomes heavy, power steering warning light on the dash, steering locks in one position.
This is one of the best-known Grande Punto problems. The electric power steering has an electronic control unit that is prone to failure. Repair is possible by re-soldering the joints inside the unit. A complete steering column replacement is expensive, but in most cases the unit can be repaired without replacing the entire assembly.
4. Instrument Cluster
Symptom: Gauges behave erratically, display cuts out and comes back, odometer freezes.
The instrument cluster on the Grande Punto has solder joint issues, similar to the Opel Astra H. The needles start jumping, the display drops out, and sometimes the whole cluster goes dark for a moment. Repair involves re-soldering, which is a specialist job but far more cost-effective than buying a new cluster.
5. Corrosion
Symptom: Rust on the sills, around the wheel arches, on door edges, and on the tailgate.
Fiat was never known for corrosion protection, and the Grande Punto is no exception. The sills are the most critical area. Rust starts from the inside, and by the time you notice it on the outside, it has already spread. The lower sections of the doors, wheel arch lips, and the tailgate are also vulnerable.
6. Bushings and Stabilizer Links
Symptom: Knocking from the front over bumps, creaking in corners.
The front suspension on the Grande Punto wears through bushings and stabilizer links relatively quickly, especially on our roads. The knocking you hear over potholes and speed bumps is usually worn stabilizer links, which are a cheap and fast replacement. Bushings take a bit more work, but that is not overly expensive either.
7. Timing Belt (1.4 Petrol)
Symptom: No direct warning until it breaks, and then it is too late.
If you have a 1.4 petrol Grande Punto, the timing belt needs your attention. The replacement interval is every 60,000 km or 5 years. This engine is an interference type, meaning that when the belt snaps, the valves hit the pistons. Do not wait for it to happen. Replacing the belt and water pump is far cheaper than dealing with the aftermath.
Advice for Owners
The Grande Punto is a practical city car with affordable parts prices. Most of the faults we listed are well-known and fixable without major expense, unless you ignore them for too long. Pay special attention to the DPF if you have the MultiJet engine and to the power steering because that is a safety concern. If you notice any of the symptoms described here, stop by so we can take a look. It is always better to act early than to wait until a small problem turns into a big one.