The Fiat Scudo was developed in conjunction with the Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch. It is a sleek, compact, spacious, and fun-to-drive car. But like most minivans, it also has several issues to deal with. However, what is the common problems with Fiat Scudo?
Common problems with Fiat Scudo are turbo problems, electric issues, gearbox problems, failing fuel injectors, door lock issues, power steering problems, and starting problems. Despite experiencing problems over the years, the Fiat Scudo is a very reliable car.
What are the common problems with Fiat Scudo?
Electrical problems
One of the first problems that Fiat Scudo users will encounter is electrical problems. One of the electrical problems that most Scudo users have reported experiencing is an electrical fault causing the minivan to lose power while driving. This is a result of a defective high-voltage cable that connects to the car’s battery.
This cable causes a short circuit, which increases the danger of a fire. This issue is very common in the 2022 Fiat Scudo models. Fiat has already recalled the affected models. Besides, older Fiat Scudo models have also reported this problem.
Gearbox problems
Another common issue with the Fiat Scudo is gearbox issues. Many users have reported having difficulty changing gears without grinding the engine. This issue is usually caused by a mismatch in the speed of your wheels and engine not being on the same page. As a result, it causes a grinding noise.
If you’re having such a problem, you should visit a professional mechanic to have the issue fixed. Note that fixing the gearbox can be cumbersome and costly.
Turbo issues
If your Fi Scudo is experiencing power loss, whining engine, and the check engine light comes on, this is a sign of a bad or failing turbo. Many users of the Fiat Scudo have reported their turbo failing completely. In such a case, the main culprit is normal wear and tear. But it can also be due to damaged seals, foreign deposits, or poor oil lubrication.
If your turbo is old, you will have to replace it. But if the seals are worn out, you will have to replace them to fix the problem.
Door lock problems
This is one of the most dangerous problems that Fiat Scudo drivers face. Many users have reported that the door locks on their cars don’t work as intended. This is very common in older models. Besides, this problem usually happens when they are driving.
If your car is having door lock issues, ensure to replace the entire door lock system. This is very risky for both the drivers and passengers.
Starting issues
Like most Fiat models, the Fiat Scudo also has starting problems. Many users have reported their cars failing to start, more so in cold weather. Some of the things that cause the car not to start are a dead battery, a failing alternator, and poor connection. Ensure the mechanic inspects your car and fixes the underlying problem.
Aside from inspecting the battery, cables, and alternator, you should also have the starter checked. Fixing the underlying issue will allow your car to start smoothly.
Failing fuel injector
This issue is common in old Fiat Scudo models. After putting on several miles, your fuel injector may become clogged, dirty, and unresponsive. As a result, it will fail or not perform to its optimal level. If your fuel injector has more than 100,000 miles, replace it ASAP as it will be worn out.
Power steering problems
This is another common problem with Fiat models. The electric power steering usually fails because of the torque position sensor filing. If you’re having such an issue, you will notice a groaning vibration when turning the steering wheel. To fix this problem, you will have to fix the underlying problem.
FAQ
Is the Fiat Scudo reliable?
Yes, Fiat Scudo is a reliable car. Unlike most of its competitors, this car does not break down easily. However, when it does, the cost of fixing it is reasonably cheaper than that of its main competitors, which are the Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch.
How long does the Fiat Scudo last?
The longevity of any car is determined by how well the user or owner maintains it. If a car is well-maintained, it should easily clock over 250k miles. The Fiat Scudo is not different as many users have reported covering more than 200,000 miles. Aside from proper maintenance, good driving habits should also be exercised for the car to last longer.
What is the most reliable Fiat Scudo model year?
This is quite tricky as most Fiat Scudo models have similar issues. However, the 2007 Fiat Scudo model year is pretty reliable and registers slightly fewer issues than other Fiat Scudo model years. Overall, the Fiat Scudo doesn’t differ a lot when it comes to reliability as most similar issues are experienced across different model years.
Is it expensive to maintain the Fiat Scudo?
No, maintaining the Fiat Scudo is fairly cheap. Like most of its counterparts, the Fiat Scudo registers fewer problems and it is among the most reliable minivans on the market. On average, the user should be ready to spend between $500 and $600 annually to maintain this van.
After how long does the Fiat Scudo start developing issues?
While the Fiat Scudo is a pretty reliable car, it still reports several problems. Some problems start showing up as early as 40,000 miles. But if the user properly maintains this car, most issues shouldn’t show up until the car hits over 150k miles. Early issues witnessed on the Fiat Scudo are starting problems and spark plug issues.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for the Fiat Scudo, it is crucial to know some of the issues you might face along the way. Now that we’ve discussed some of the common problems that users of the Fiat Scudo are likely to face, they can prepare in advance and avoid most of these problems via proper care and maintenance.
Generally, the Fiat Scudo is an affordable, reliable, spacious, and versatile minibus. With different body styles on offer, users can select a car that best suits their needs and budget.