2017 Alfa Romeo Mito
2017 Alfa Romeo Mito
Overview
The 2017 Alfa Romeo MiTo, a stylish and sporty compact car, generally offers a decent ownership experience, particularly for those drawn to its distinctive Italian design and engaging driving dynamics. While it doesn’t suffer from widespread catastrophic failures, like any vehicle, it has certain areas that have seen more reports of issues than others. Owners often praise its handling and aesthetics, but some mechanical and electrical components have been noted for potential problems. This analysis focuses on documented, non-wear-and-tear related issues across various configurations to provide a clearer picture of its reliability.
Engine
0.9L TwinAir Turbo (875cc)
Turbocharger Failure
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, increased oil consumption.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
- Cost: $800 - $1500
Engine Mount Failure
- Symptoms: Excessive vibration felt in the cabin, especially at idle or during acceleration.
- Solution: Replacement of worn engine mounts.
- Cost: $300 - $600
1.4L MultiAir Turbo (1368cc)
MultiAir Unit Failure
- Symptoms: Rough idling, engine misfires, loss of power, check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Replacement of the MultiAir solenoid unit.
- Cost: $500 - $900
1.3L JTDm Diesel (1248cc)
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
- Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, warning lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: DPF regeneration (forced or manual), or replacement if severely clogged.
- Cost: $400 - $1200
Transmission
Manual (5-speed & 6-speed)
Clutch Wear
- Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears, grinding noises.
- Solution: Clutch kit replacement (clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing).
- Cost: $700 - $1200
Dualogic (Automated Manual)
Actuator/Pump Failure
- Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, transmission warning lights, ‘gearbox fault’ messages.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the transmission actuator pump.
- Cost: $800 - $1600
Suspension
Standard Chassis
Worn Ball Joints/Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking or knocking noises over bumps, imprecise steering, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of worn suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings).
- Cost: $400 - $800
Electrical
General Electrical System
Infotainment System Glitches
- Symptoms: Screen freezing, unresponsiveness, Bluetooth connectivity issues, audio problems.
- Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the head unit.
- Cost: $300 - $1000
Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, battery warning light, electrical components malfunctioning.
- Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain, replacement of faulty modules or battery.
- Cost: $200 - $600
Exterior
Body Panels & Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Interior
Cabin Components
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Summary Verdict
The 2017 Alfa Romeo MiTo presents a mixed reliability profile. While its exterior and interior generally hold up well, potential owners should be aware of specific engine and transmission concerns. The TwinAir and MultiAir engines, while offering good performance, can be prone to issues like turbocharger failure and MultiAir unit problems, respectively. Diesel variants may encounter DPF issues. The Dualogic automated manual transmission has also seen reports of actuator failures. Manual transmissions are generally more robust but clutch wear is a common maintenance item. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system, can also occur. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any warning signs are crucial for mitigating these potential issues and ensuring a more reliable ownership experience.