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2016 Fiat Ducato

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2016 Fiat Ducato is a popular choice for commercial use and camper conversions due to its spacious interior and relatively affordable price point. Engine options for the 2016 model year typically included a 2.3-liter Multijet II diesel engine available in various power outputs, such as 130 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. There was also a 3.0-liter MultiJet diesel with higher outputs. Depending on the market, these engines were paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Comfort-Matic automated manual transmission. People appreciate the Ducato’s practicality and cargo capacity but often cite concerns about reliability and the cost of repairs as downsides.

Engine

2.3L Multijet II Diesel

  • EGR Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine management light illuminates, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and potential black smoke from the exhaust. Can cause rough idling and stalling.
    • Solution: Replacement of the EGR valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, excessive smoke, and potential engine knocking. Can cause permanent engine damage.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200 (depending on the number of injectors needing replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Multijet Diesel

  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises from the engine, especially on startup. Potential for catastrophic engine failure if not addressed.
    • Solution: Timing chain replacement, including tensioners and guides.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500
    • Recalls: None Found Transmission

6-Speed Manual

  • Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting gears, and a high clutch pedal position.
    • Solution: Clutch kit replacement, including pressure plate, friction disc, and release bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Comfort-Matic Automated Manual

  • Gear Selector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty selecting gears, error messages on the dashboard, and potential for the transmission to get stuck in a gear.
    • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the gear selector module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Solenoid Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, jerking during acceleration, and potential for the transmission to shift into neutral unexpectedly.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty solenoid valves within the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (depending on the number of solenoids needing replacement and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits lower in the rear, poor ride quality, and potential for reduced load-carrying capacity. Can cause the tires to rub the wheel wells.
    • Solution: Replacement of the rear leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Front Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and potential for premature tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of front struts/shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Central Locking System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking/unlocking properly, alarm system issues, and remote key fob failures.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of wiring harness issues, replacement of door lock actuators or central locking module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a short period, difficulty starting the vehicle, and potential for electrical component malfunctions.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drains caused by faulty modules, wiring issues, or accessories.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sliding Door Mechanism Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening/closing the sliding door, jamming, and excessive noise.
    • Solution: Lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of sliding door rollers, tracks, and latches.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Warning Lights Illumination
    • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights illuminating on the dashboard without apparent cause.
    • Solution: Diagnostic scan to identify fault codes and repair the underlying issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $75 - $200 (for diagnosis) + cost of repair for the identified issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • HVAC Blower Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not functioning, only works on some settings, or makes excessive noise.
    • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor and/or resistor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Fiat Ducato, while praised for its practicality, exhibits a range of common issues. Engine problems such as EGR valve and injector failures for the 2.3L and timing chain issues for the 3.0L can be costly to repair. Transmission issues with both the manual and automated manual versions, particularly those affecting gear selection, pose a significant inconvenience. Suspension problems like leaf spring sag and strut failure compromise ride quality. Electrical issues like central locking malfunctions and battery drain add to the ownership concerns. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and budget for possible repairs, as some of them can be quite expensive.

Fiat, Ducato
Fiat Ducato 2016
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