IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Fiat Tipo

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2017 Fiat Tipo. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

DPF clogging and oil dilution on diesels

SeriousExhaust & Emissions

The 1.3 and 1.6 MultiJet diesels are fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter that needs regular motorway driving to regenerate. Short urban trips cause the DPF to clog, triggering warning lights and limp mode. If regeneration is repeatedly interrupted, fuel contaminates the engine oil, causing the level to rise and potentially damaging the engine.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£1,200
Warning Signs:

DPF warning light, Limp mode, Engine oil level rising, Loss of power, Cooling fan running after shutdown

What to Inspect:
  • Ask about the car's usual journey pattern
  • Check the oil level for signs of diesel dilution
  • Look for invoices for DPF cleaning or forced regeneration
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front Suspension Arm Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Wishbone bushes and ball joints tend to wear earlier than on competitors, leading to MOT failures.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£350
Warning Signs:

Knocking over bumps, Car pulls to one side

What to Inspect:
  • Check for play in front wheels while car is jacked up
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Stop-start system sensitivity and battery drain

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The Tipo's stop-start system is highly sensitive to battery voltage. A weak or ageing battery causes the system to disable itself and can trigger multiple dashboard warnings. Some owners also report the system failing to restart the engine smoothly.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£200 (battery replacement)
Warning Signs:

Stop-start unavailable message, Engine judder on restart, Multiple warning lights at start-up, Battery flattens after a few days unused

What to Inspect:
  • Check the age and health of the 12V battery
  • Test the stop-start function in traffic
  • Look for previous battery replacement invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2017 Fiat Tipo

  • ✓Check the stop-start system; it often stops working if the battery is even slightly weak—test it in traffic.
  • ✓Verify Uconnect functionality, especially the DAB radio and Navigation; software glitches are common.
  • ✓On 1.6 Multijet diesels, ensure the DPF has not been clogged by short journeys—ask about typical journey patterns.
  • ✓Inspect the front suspension arms for play; wishbone bushes wear earlier than on competitors.
  • ✓Check the interior plastics for scratching—the materials are durable but mark easily.
  • ✓Look for a full service history; Fiat's maintenance schedule is straightforward but must be followed.
Check a 2017 Fiat Tipo by Registration