2009 Fiat Albea
Introduction The 2009 Fiat Albea is a compact sedan that was discontinued in 2012. It was available with two engine options: a 1.4-liter gasoline engine and a 1.9-liter diesel engine. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Albea was praised for its fuel efficiency and affordability, but it was also criticized for its lack of power and poor handling.
Engine
1.4-liter Gasoline Engine
- Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail prematurely, leading to catastrophic engine damage.
- Symptoms: Engine stalls, loss of power, rattling noise
- Solution: Replace timing belt
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
1.9-liter Diesel Engine
- Fuel injector failure: The fuel injectors can fail, causing the engine to run rough or stall.
- Symptoms: Engine runs rough, stalls, decreased fuel efficiency
- Solution: Replace fuel injectors
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, resulting in reduced engine power.
- Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from exhaust
- Solution: Replace turbocharger
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-speed Manual Transmission
- Shifting difficulty: The transmission may become difficult to shift, especially when cold.
- Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
- Solution: Replace clutch or transmission fluid
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut failure: The struts can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively.
- Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling
- Solution: Replace struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Control arm failure: The control arms can fail, affecting the vehicle’s alignment and handling.
- Symptoms: Vehicle pulls to one side, uneven tire wear
- Solution: Replace control arms
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery failure: The battery may fail prematurely, leaving the vehicle stranded.
- Symptoms: Difficulty starting, dimming lights
- Solution: Replace battery
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $150+
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, preventing the battery from charging.
- Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical system failure
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight condensation: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlights, causing poor visibility.
- Symptoms: Condensation inside headlights
- Solution: Replace headlight assemblies
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard cracking: The dashboard can crack over time, especially in hot climates.
- Symptoms: Cracks in dashboard
- Solution: Replace dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door lock failure: The door locks may fail to operate, making it difficult to enter or exit the vehicle.
- Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing doors
- Solution: Replace door lock actuators
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary The 2009 Fiat Albea is a relatively reliable vehicle, but it has some potential issues to watch out for. The most serious problems are related to the engine and transmission, which can be expensive to fix. The suspension and electrical systems can also experience problems, but these are generally less costly to repair. Overall, the Albea is a good budget-friendly choice, but it’s important to be aware of its potential issues before making a purchase.