2009 Fiat Strada

The 2009 Fiat Strada is a compact utility pickup truck, primarily sold in South America and other select markets. In 2009, the Strada was available with a 1.4L 8V inline-4 petrol engine producing around 85 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque. It was also available with a 1.3L Multijet diesel engine, producing around 85 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were typically paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Owners often appreciate the Strada’s utility, fuel efficiency, and compact size, making it suitable for urban environments and light-duty work. Common complaints include its relatively basic interior, limited passenger space, and sometimes questionable reliability.

Engine

1.4L 8V Inline-4 Petrol

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs. This can manifest as blue exhaust smoke and a noticeable drop in the oil level between service intervals.
  • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals and piston rings. In severe cases, the engine may need a full rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cooling System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks. Commonly the thermostat housing and radiator are the culprits.
  • Solution: Replacing the thermostat housing and/or radiator. Flushing the cooling system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

1.3L Multijet Diesel

• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor fuel economy, black smoke from the exhaust, and potential engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty injectors and potentially cleaning the fuel system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the turbo, and potentially black smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Inspecting the turbocharger for damage and replacing it if necessary. Checking and cleaning or replacing the oil feed lines to the turbo.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Difficult Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, especially 1st and 2nd. Grinding noises during gear changes.
  • Solution: Replacing worn synchros, clutch disc, or pressure plate. Inspecting and adjusting the shift linkage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty engaging gears, and a high clutch pedal engagement point.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing. Resurfacing or replacing the flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced load capacity, poor ride quality, and uneven stance.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear leaf springs. Adding helper springs or air shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Shock Absorbers
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, and excessive body roll during cornering.
  • Solution: Replacing the front and/or rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Central Locking Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the central locking system to operate, either intermittently or completely.
  • Solution: Checking the wiring harness for breaks or shorts. Replacing the central locking module or actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, either intermittently or completely.
  • Solution: Replacing the window motor or regulator. Checking the wiring harness for breaks or shorts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the body panels, particularly around the wheel arches, door sills, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust removal, body panel repair, and repainting. Applying rust inhibitors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard plastic, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard. Applying dashboard protectant to prevent further cracking.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Fiat Strada, while appreciated for its utility, can suffer from several common issues. Engine problems include excessive oil consumption in the 1.4L petrol engine and injector/turbocharger issues in the 1.3L diesel. Transmission problems mainly involve shifting difficulty and clutch failure. Suspension issues include sagging leaf springs and worn shocks. Electrical issues include central locking and power window failures. Rust and dashboard cracking are also noted. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their purchasing decision, as repair costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.