2007 Fiat Punto

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2007 Fiat Punto, organized by category and engine/transmission option, following your requested format.

The 2007 Fiat Punto, also known as the Grande Punto, is a supermini car praised for its stylish design, nimble handling, and relatively spacious interior for its class. However, it’s also known to have a few common reliability issues. Engine options include a 1.2L 8V petrol engine (65 hp, 74 lb-ft torque), a 1.4L 8V petrol engine (77 hp, 85 lb-ft torque), a 1.4L 16V petrol engine (95 hp, 96 lb-ft torque), and a 1.3L Multijet diesel engine (75 hp, 140 lb-ft torque). Available transmissions are a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual, depending on the engine. Common owner dislikes include reports of electrical gremlins and concerns about long-term reliability.

Engine

1.2L 8V Petrol

• Rough Idling/Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may idle roughly, hesitate during acceleration, or stall completely. This is often more pronounced when the engine is cold.
  • Solution: Cleaning the throttle body, replacing spark plugs, or checking/replacing the idle air control valve (IACV) may resolve the issue. In some cases, a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor can cause these problems.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may be visible around the valve cover gasket or oil pan.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.4L 8V Petrol

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfiring, rough running engine, engine warning light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per coil pack
  • Recalls: None Found

1.4L 16V Petrol

• VVT (Variable Valve Timing) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine hesitation, reduced power, and engine management light illumination, particularly at lower RPMs.
  • Solution: Replacing the VVT solenoid or cleaning the VVT actuator. A faulty camshaft sensor can also cause similar symptoms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$400+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.3L Multijet Diesel

• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, poor fuel economy, rough idling, black smoke from the exhaust, and engine warning light illuminated.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, excessive smoke, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on the number of injectors)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: DPF light on the dashboard, reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, potential for blocked DPF.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration (if possible), cleaning the DPF, or replacing the DPF.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (replacement can be expensive)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting gears, high clutch pedal engagement point.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch kit (clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive rear-end movement, and knocking noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (for both shocks)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, imprecise handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing worn suspension bushings (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar bushings).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the number of bushings replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to operate, slow window movement, or intermittent operation.
  • Solution: Replacing the window motor, window regulator, or checking/repairing wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Central locking failing to operate, doors not locking/unlocking correctly, or remote key fob malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replacing the central locking actuator, checking/repairing wiring, or reprogramming the key fob.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, warning lights illuminated incorrectly, or the entire instrument cluster failing.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles (especially exterior) breaking or becoming difficult to operate.
  • Solution: Replacing the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard plastic, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive) or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1000+ (depending on the solution)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the roof and sagging down.
  • Solution: Re-gluing or replacing the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Fiat Punto is a stylish and economical car, but it has its share of common problems. Engine issues are generally mild, but diesel models can suffer from costly DPF and injector problems. Electrical issues like window and central locking problems are relatively common and can be a nuisance. Suspension and interior issues are also present, potentially impacting the ride quality and overall ownership experience. Overall, most of the issues are of moderate severity and cost.