Fiat Uno is an outstanding supermini city car with lots of fascinating features. Like most compact cars, the Fiat Uno is also easier to maintain, affordable, efficient, and reliable. However, it also comes with some problems that are worth noting. But what are the common problems with Fiat Uno?
Some of the common problems with Fiat Uno are car idling problems, car overheating, starting problems, braking issues, excessive vibration, and scraping noise from the gearbox. Despite Fiat Uno having several issues to deal with, this car is pretty reliable compared to other Fiat models.
What are the common problems with Fiat Uno?
Car overheating
This is one of the major problems that Fiat Uno owners should be ready to deal with. The engine normally overheats because of a broken thermostat or broken cylinder head gasket. Aside from the engine overheating, the driver will also notice signs like smoke coming out of the exhaust and water leaking out of the overflow.
If your Fiat Uno is overheating because of a broken thermostat, you will see other signs like coolant leakage, change in cabin temperature, and heater malfunction. On the other hand, if it is a broken cylinder head gasket, you will see signs such as white smoke from the tailpipe, rough idle, and contaminated engine oil.
Detecting which part is problematic and causing the engine to overheat is very crucial. Ensure to replace the broken part with a new one.
Idling issue
Another problem that Fiat Uno owners should anticipate experiencing is for the engine to cut out when idling. This is normally caused by a failing coolant sensor. Besides, when the engine cuts out, starting the car may prove to be very challenging. Other signs of idling are odd sounds, high RPM, and car shaking and bouncing.
Idling in the Fiat Uno can be caused by different things. This includes bad spark plugs, dirty fuel injectors, and clogged air filters. So, take your car to a mechanic and help them figure out the issue and replace the faulty part.
Starting issues
Some Fiat Uno users have also reported having problems starting their cars. This issue is very common in old Fiat Uno models. It is usually caused by a damaged vacuum advance or a faulty ECU. A damaged vacuum advance can make the pipes leak, while a bad ECU can lead to reduced fuel economy.
Take the car to your mechanic to figure out which part is problematic. Ensure to replace the damaged or faulty part to avoid costly repairs.
Excessive vibration
The Fiat Uno is supposed to run smoothly. Therefore, if your car is having excess vibration, this is an indication that it has a serious issue. It can be worn-out spark plugs or a damaged fuel injector. Have these two parts checked and replaced to avoid having excessive vibration as you accelerate.
Scraping noise from the gearbox
Maintaining your Fiat Uno is crucial as it helps to avoid some minor issues that can be costly in the long run. For instance, if you hear scraping noise coming from the gearbox, this is a sign of a poorly lubricated gearbox. This noise usually comes up when the driver presses down on the clutch while idling but returns when driving at normal speeds.
When you lubricate the gearbox and the noise still persists, this is a sign that your car has damaged drive shafts. Have your mechanic replace them.
Braking issue
Braking issues are very common on Fiat models. Fiat Uno also experiences this issue. If you notice that the brakes are spongy when you start the car, this is an indication that you’ve got a leakage in the rear brakes. Besides, you should inspect the wheel cylinder. Take the car to the mechanic to replace the damaged wheel cylinder.
FAQ
Is Fiat Uno a reliable car?
Yes, Fiat Uno is quite reliable compared to most of its competitors. Even though Fiat Uno users report several problems that interested buyers or users should be ready to handle in the future, this car is very reliable. With proper care and maintenance, this car will last for a very long period. Its parts are also cheap and it is easy to fix.
How long does the Fiat Uno last?
If you take good care of your Fiat Uno, expect this car to last for more than 200,000 miles. Some users have reported clocking over 250,000 miles. If you want your car to last longer, ensure to adhere to Fiat maintenance schedule service and also practice good driving habits. Failure to do so, your car may have many problems even before reaching 200k miles.
Is it expensive to maintain the Fiat Uno?
Fiat is one of the most expensive car brands to maintain. Unlike most mainstream cars, Fiat cars report more issues than average. The Fiat Uno is not an exception as it comes with several problems. As a result, users should be ready to pay more than their competitors to maintain this small city car. On average, it will cost about $530 annually to maintain a Fiat Uno.
What engine does the Fiat Uno have?
Fiat Uno comes with an option of either a diesel or petrol engine. The diesel engine is 1698 cc, while the petrol engine is 1198cc. Additionally, the engine is available with a manual transmission. Depending on the engine that you pick, you may get gas mileage of between 16.0 and 18.0 kmpl.
Which car is better – Fiat Uno or Fiat Punto?
While both cars are compact, stylish, and efficient, the Fiat Punto takes the day. This is because it performs better and it has a larger cabin with better interior features. The Punto is also more appealing with better mileage than the Fiat Uno. On the contrary, if you want more efficiency and a bigger engine, the Fiat Uno is the real deal.
Conclusion
The Fiat Uno is an excellent car for people on a budget. It is affordable, reliable, and efficient. Additionally, it provides a smooth ride. Nonetheless, this car also faces different problems that owners need to know about. As discussed above, most of these issues can be avoided with proper maintenance and repairs.
Besides, owners of the Fiat Uno should deal with problems earlier before they become serious and costly to repair. All in all, Fiat Uno is among the best small city cars to have.