The Punto Evo is the 2009 facelift of the Grande Punto (Type 199), renamed simply Punto from 2012 until the last car was built in August 2018. The 1.3 Multijet is one of Europe's most widely used small diesel engines, also found in Alfa Romeos, Opels, and Suzukis. Fuel economy is excellent and the engine can reach high mileages with disciplined oil changes, but the timing chain tensioner, electric power steering column, and DPF system all demand careful attention on used examples.· more· less
Very fuel-efficient diesel engineCheap parts, widely available
Timing chain tensioner wearElectric power steering failures
Buy if: You want a cheap-to-run diesel supermini with a manual gearbox and can verify the timing chain and steering column are healthy.
Avoid if: You mostly do short urban trips (DPF clogging) or cannot confirm the timing chain has been serviced.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€2,600
median asking price, typically 170,000 km
Typical range€2,000 – €3,700
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€700 – €1,350/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €650 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€2,600
Typically €2,000 – €3,700, at around 170,000 km.
Kilometres driven
Maintenance
€700 – €1,350per year
€400 – €700
service, tyres, brakes
€300 – €650
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€3,500
median asking price, typically 180,000 km
Typical range€2,500 – €4,200
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€700 – €1,350/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €650 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Chain tensioner loses pressure, causing cold-start rattle and eventual chain skip or snap · more· less
The 1.3 Multijet uses a lightweight timing chain with a hydraulic tensioner. The bleed-back valve in the tensioner weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to drop overnight. Symptoms start with a rattle lasting 1-30 seconds on cold start. Failure typically occurs between 100,000-160,000 km, though neglected oil changes can accelerate this to 60,000-80,000 km. Preventive replacement of chain, tensioner, and guides costs around 500-700 euro at an independent shop. If the chain skips teeth or snaps, valve-to-piston contact can destroy the head, pushing costs to 1,500-2,500 euro for a head rebuild or engine replacement. Fiat has updated the tensioner part over the years. Regular oil changes every 10,000-12,000 km (Fiat quoted 35,000 km for the contemporary 1.3 Multijet, which is far too long for this chain interval) significantly reduce the risk.
Electric power steering column failure
up to €1,0002 of 8
Internal torque sensor or motor control board fails, causing heavy or unassisted steering · more· less
The EPS column is a well-documented failure on all Punto models from 2005 onwards, including the Evo. The torque position sensor inside the steering column degrades, initially causing intermittent heavy steering that eventually becomes permanent. The motor control board can also burn out. A new column from a Fiat dealer costs 800-1,000 euro fitted. Specialist reconditioned units are available for 400-600 euro including fitting. Some specialists offer ECU-level repair of the torque sensor for around 200-300 euro. The EPS warning light on the dashboard is the primary indicator.
DPF clogging and regeneration failure
up to €1,5003 of 8
Short trips prevent DPF regeneration, eventually blocking the filter completely · more· less
DPF-equipped Punto Evo models suffer from clogging when used predominantly for short urban trips. The engine ECU monitors oil quality and blocks regeneration cycles if it determines the oil is too degraded, accelerating DPF blockage. Fault code P2002 indicates a clogged DPF. A forced regeneration with diagnostic software costs 100-200 euro but only works if the filter is not severely blocked. Professional DPF cleaning costs 300-500 euro. Full DPF replacement with an aftermarket unit runs 600-1,000 euro, while an OEM filter can reach 1,500 euro. After every oil change, the oil degradation counter in the ECU must be reset using specialist software like Multiecuscan, otherwise regeneration remains blocked.
Turbo actuator sticking or turbo failure
up to €1,8004 of 8
Variable vane actuator seizes from carbon buildup, causing limp mode or boost loss · more· less
The 85 and 95 hp engines use a variable geometry turbo, while Fiat specifies a fixed geometry turbo for the 75 hp version and for the 90 hp version in its 2010 Spanish specification, so check which unit the car has. On the variable geometry turbo the actuator can seize from carbon deposits, particularly when the car is driven gently or only on short trips. Symptoms include check engine light, limp mode, and loss of power. The actuator can sometimes be freed by cleaning the vanes through the exhaust side, but if internal damage has occurred, the turbo must be replaced. Turbo replacement costs approximately 800-1,500 euro at an independent garage, while Fiat dealers can quote up to 1,800 euro. Most failures occur beyond 100,000 km, though some have been reported earlier. Regular motorway driving helps keep the turbo vanes free.
EGR valve carbon buildup
up to €5005 of 8
Carbon deposits restrict EGR valve and intake manifold, causing power loss and rough idle · more· less
The EGR valve on the 1.3 Multijet is difficult to access compared to larger engines, increasing labour costs for cleaning or replacement. Carbon deposits build up over time, restricting the valve and clogging the intake manifold. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation, loss of power, and black exhaust smoke. Cleaning the EGR and manifold costs 100-200 euro at a garage. A new EGR valve costs 100-300 euro for the part plus 100-200 euro labour. The valve should ideally be cleaned every 50,000 km. The intake manifold itself can become almost fully clogged with oily carbon residue around the EGR pipe, requiring removal and manual cleaning.
Dual mass flywheel and clutch wear
up to €1,2006 of 8
DMF develops play causing vibration and rattling at idle, typically beyond 120,000 km · more· less
The 90 hp version uses a dual mass flywheel that smooths out the diesel engine's vibrations. The DMF wears over time, causing a metallic rattling noise at idle and juddering during clutch engagement. Replacement of the DMF and clutch kit together costs 600-1,000 euro at an independent garage, or up to 1,200 euro at a dealer. Conversion to a solid mass flywheel is possible for around 400-600 euro total but may increase cabin vibration. Typical failure occurs between 120,000-180,000 km.
Body and subframe corrosion
up to €1,5007 of 8
Sills, wheel arches, subframe, and sump develop structural rust in northern climates · more· less
The Punto Evo is prone to corrosion on sills (where they curve up to the wheel arches), front wings, rear wheel arches, and subframe. The subframe can suffer from unrestricted water entry combined with mud buildup, accelerating corrosion. In salt-road countries, structural rust can develop to the point of inspection failure as early as 10-12 years of age. The sump is also known to rust through. Repairs range from 300-500 euro per sill for welding and treatment, up to 1,500 euro if multiple panels or the subframe need work.
Front coil spring breakage
up to €4008 of 8
Front springs snap from corrosion and fatigue, especially in salt-road climates · more· less
Front coil springs on the Punto Evo are known to break, particularly in regions that use road salt. Stone chips on the spring surface allow rust to set in, weakening the metal until it fractures. Some owners have reported breakage as early as 25,000 km. A pair of replacement springs costs around 80-150 euro for parts, plus 100-250 euro for labour. Springs should always be replaced in pairs. Aftermarket options like Eibach are reported to be more durable than OEM springs.
Robust engine, but diesel-specific and corrosion issues need watching
The 1.3 Multijet engine is one of the most produced diesel engines in Europe and can reach 250,000+ km with proper maintenance. However, the timing chain tensioner is a known weak point that demands proactive replacement, and the DPF system requires regular motorway driving to stay healthy. The Punto Evo body is prone to corrosion in northern European climates, and the electric power steering column is an expensive common failure. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable than Dualogic-equipped cars.
Service history
Complete records are essential. Fiat's stated interval for the contemporary 1.3 Multijet was 35,000 km, but independent specialists and the timing chain both favour 10,000-12,000 km or 12 months, so look for the shorter interval in the history.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check steering weight consistency and turbo response.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for cold-start timing chain rattle
Start completely cold. A rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates worn chain tensioner needing urgent replacement (500-700 euro preventive, 1,500+ euro if it snaps).
Test electric power steering at low speed
Turn the wheel fully lock-to-lock at parking speed. Check for heavy spots, groaning, or intermittent assistance loss. EPS light on dashboard is a deal-breaker unless priced in.
Check for DPF warning light or limp mode
Drive for at least 15 minutes including acceleration. DPF light or sudden power loss indicates a blocked filter. Ask when DPF was last cleaned or regenerated.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Inspect sills, subframe, and sump for rust
Check inside sills with a torch, push on sill panels with your thumb. Look under the car at the subframe and sump for rust-through. Structural rust means expensive repairs.
Check turbo boost response
Accelerate firmly from 1,500 rpm in 3rd gear. Turbo should spool smoothly by 2,000 rpm. Hesitation, smoke, or limp mode suggests actuator or turbo issues.
Confirm oil degradation counter was reset at services
Ask if the garage has been resetting the ECU oil degradation counter at each service using Multiecuscan or similar. Without this, DPF regeneration may be blocked.
Check for clutch judder and DMF rattle at idle
With the engine idling in neutral, listen for metallic rattling. Test clutch engagement in first gear on a slope for judder or vibration.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Passenger airbag could reactivate after being deliberately disabled (October - November 2009 Punto Evo production)Critical - verify completed
Side airbag software error - campaign 5483, issued for right-hand-drive cars (Nov 2009 - Aug 2010 production)Critical - verify applicability and completion
Brake servo piping - campaign 5677 (Punto model year 2012, including the 1.3 JTD 95)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator - no campaign number, market or production window is published for the Type 199, so applicability has to be checked against the VINVerify applicability with the VIN
Seat belt tensioner crimping defect (2016-2017 production)Verify completed if applicable
The Punto Evo has been subject to several safety recalls covering airbags, brakes, and seat belts. Contact a Fiat dealer with the VIN to verify all applicable recalls have been completed. The October-November 2009 passenger airbag action is the one to check first, since a deliberately disabled passenger airbag could reactivate. Campaign 5483 for the side airbag software was issued for right-hand-drive cars, so a left-hand-drive European car may not be in scope. The brake compensator spring recall often listed for the Punto belonged to the 1994-1995 Type 176 car, not to this Type 199.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all Punto Evo models
Rust perforation warranty8 years from first registration - expired on most
Extended warrantyThird-party warranties available, limited coverage on older cars
All Fiat Punto Evo models are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. Given the car's age (7+ years minimum), third-party warranty options are limited and may exclude high-wear diesel components like the turbo and DPF.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
