2008 Fiat Idea

The 2008 Fiat Idea is a mini MPV known for its practicality, spacious interior for its size, and distinctive styling. Engine options include a 1.4L gasoline engine producing around 77 horsepower and a 1.3L Multijet diesel engine with approximately 70 horsepower. Transmission choices are typically a 5-speed manual or a Dualogic automated manual transmission. People generally appreciate the Idea’s versatility and fuel efficiency, while common criticisms include its somewhat uninspired driving dynamics and potential reliability concerns.

Engine

1.3L Multijet Diesel

• EGR Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogging of the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve, leading to rough idling, loss of power, and the engine management light illuminating.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Diesel injectors failing or becoming clogged, causing poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replacing or reconditioning the diesel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ (depending on the number of injectors replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

1.4L Gasoline

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, and a flashing engine management light. Often caused by a failing ignition coil pack.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Gear Selection Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging certain gears, particularly first or reverse. This may be caused by worn synchromesh rings or issues with the gear linkage.
  • Solution: Replacing the synchromesh rings or adjusting/replacing the gear linkage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on the extent of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Dualogic Automated Manual

• Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Dualogic system can experience issues with its hydraulic actuator, leading to difficulty shifting gears, error messages on the dashboard, and potential immobilisation of the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the Dualogic actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Caused by leaking or worn rear shock absorbers.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Dashboard Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent failure of the instrument cluster, including flickering lights, inaccurate readings, or complete loss of display.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Central locking system failing to operate correctly, with doors not locking or unlocking remotely or manually.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the central locking control unit or individual door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Lower Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the lower body panels, especially around the wheel arches and sills, particularly in areas with harsh winters or exposure to salt.
  • Solution: Removing the rust, repairing any damaged metal, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the severity and extent of the rust)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system blowing warm air or not working at all. Often caused by a failing air conditioning compressor.
  • Solution: Replacing the air conditioning compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Fiat Idea, while offering practicality, can suffer from a range of issues. The most serious issues involve the Dualogic transmission, with potentially high repair costs. Engine issues are generally less severe but can still lead to inconvenience. Suspension, electrical, exterior and interior problems are also present with reasonable fix costs. Careful inspection and a thorough service history are crucial when considering the purchase of a used 2008 Fiat Idea.