2021 Fiat Argo

The 2021 Fiat Argo is a subcompact hatchback known for its stylish design and fuel efficiency. In the Brazilian market, it came with a few engine and transmission options. One of the most common engine choices was the 1.0L Firefly inline-three, producing around 77 horsepower and 79 lb-ft of torque when running on ethanol (slightly less on gasoline). Other engine options include a 1.3L Firefly inline-four, and a 1.8L E.torQ inline-four. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Argo’s comfortable ride and modern interior, but some criticize its relatively small rear seats and limited cargo space. The 1.0L engine is generally known for its fuel efficiency and sufficient power for city driving, but its acceleration can be perceived as slow.

Engine

1.0L Firefly Inline-Three

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-expected oil consumption, especially on vehicles with higher mileage. Symptoms include needing to add oil more frequently than usual, low oil level warnings, and, in severe cases, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly and use the manufacturer-recommended oil type and viscosity. If consumption is excessive, inspect for leaks, worn valve stem seals, or piston ring issues. Replacement of these components may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.3L Firefly Inline-Four

• No Issues Found

1.8L E.torQ Inline-Four

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Difficult Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported issues with shifting gears, particularly into first and second gear. This can manifest as a grinding noise, resistance when shifting, or the inability to engage the gear smoothly.
  • Solution: Check the clutch cable adjustment and condition. If the clutch cable is stretched or damaged, replace it. If the problem persists, inspect the transmission internals for worn synchronizers or shift forks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or jerky shifting, especially when the transmission is cold. This can also be accompanied by hesitation or delays when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. If the fluid is low or dirty, perform a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, the valve body might need to be inspected and potentially rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Front Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature wear of front suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings. Symptoms include clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, and loose or imprecise steering.
  • Solution: Inspect the suspension components for wear and damage. Replace any worn or damaged components with high-quality replacements. Consider getting a wheel alignment after replacing suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes or crashes, requiring a restart. This can affect navigation, audio, and other system functions.
  • Solution: Check for software updates for the infotainment system and install any available updates. If the problem persists, try resetting the system to factory settings. In some cases, replacing the infotainment unit might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises from Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling noises coming from the dashboard, especially when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locate the source of the rattle and secure the loose components. This may involve adding foam padding or tightening screws.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Fiat Argo, while generally a reliable and stylish subcompact, can experience issues such as excessive oil consumption in the 1.0L engine, difficult shifting in the manual transmission, rough shifting in the automatic transmission, premature wear of front suspension components, infotainment system glitches, and rattling noises from the dashboard. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others require more extensive repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchasing.