2002 Fiat Stilo Dynamic from UK and Ireland - Comments

Absolutely nothing I'm pleased to say! (So far).

I am the one who wrote the review above about my Stilo Active having a problem with the clutch pedal and radiator fan.

Having got rid of my Stilo Active I purchased a Ford Focus. To cut a long story short I sold the Focus as it was a discrace to the Ford name. I shall be putting my review on the Focus on here very soon!

I have since then purchased a Stilo Dynamic. This car is simply excellent. When compared to the Focus Zetec, the Stilo out performs it in every possible way. The Stilo Dynamic comes with: 16" Alloys, Air con, 6 airbags, ABS with BFD, Brake assist, "My Car" function where you can totally customise how the car operates.

This car drives and handles superbly. It's a real eye turner too!

There are bags of equipment to play with.

Forget your Fords, Vauxhalls & Peugeots - buy a Fiat Stilo - you will not be dissapointed!

Why did you sell your first stilo? Could you comment more on the reliability and the performance of the 1.6 16V, please?

Hi.

I'm the original reviewer.

I got rid of my first Stilo because of problems with the radiator fan which I mentioned in my review. The dealer could not ascertain what the problem was. I also started to dislike the colour (pitti blue - solid).

My new Stilo Dynamic's reliability seems much more than my other Stilo. The seats are different and are classed as sports. Having driven Punto's with rattles and bangs Fiat have dramatically improved on this with the Stilo. When you get into the car it looks and feels like a german car such as VW. The plastics used are not of the cheap looking nature either.

If you want to know anything else, feel free to e-mail me on a-smith@lycos.co.uk

Can I ask who you and where your dealer is

I have heard very bad reports on fiat dealers

and am thinking of buying a multi wagon

but not if the dealer is crap.

Hi there.

I am the original reviewer.

Just an update:

My car has now done 13,000 miles and I have noticed a loud knocking noise from the driver's side front.

I have taken it to my dealer and the whole front suspension has had to be replaced.

I am pleased to say that this has solved the problem.

However, I am not happy as my dealer told me that they and Fiat were aware with a problem with the front suspension on the Stilo.

Hi there.

I am due to pick up my new Fiat Stilo Active 1.2 this afternoon from my local Fiat dealer. Is there anything I should look out for, the Stilo I have bought is an 02 reg so is only a year old. are there any problems or anything that I should check with them?

Hello, I own a "Stilo" Dynamic 1600cc, 3d and I have a serious problem with my airbags! To be precise the problem is located under the right seat. Every time I move the seat in order someone to get in the back of the car-the screen beeps and prompts the message "Airbag failure-Stop the engine"! I went several times to check it out, but they only reset the CPU and look at the cables,located under the seat! Does any one please know anything about the issue?

Yes it's a known problem with loose wire connection and was sorted in mine after the same occurred driving through Europe.

I just picked up my 53 plate 1.2 active 3dr stilo too.. and ha the same airbag problem. All sorted now thanks to my local dealer. They tightened all the connections under both the driver and passenger seats as well as blowing out any dust that may be in the contacts. Unfortunately, the radiator fan seems to be having a wobbly as the valeters at the dealers vauxhall site steam cleaned the engine and the ECU was full of water... eeeekkkkk

So far the car is great, just these little niggles to sort and i'll be away!

Hello from Estonia (2001, dyna, 3d)

I have read all the reviews in here and most of you have problems with passenger side seat airbag, so do I, I don't know do your dealers are dummies or not - there is no problems with connectors and wires, the only problem is that there is a big sensor element under the seat textile and it is rumpled and it sends non-adequate to bag-module, there is no way, not replace only the sensor element, but sensor element with all pad where we aresitting, that is Fiat`s warranty politics. This problem have most of Stilo`s

Hi.

I have a 1.6, 5-door, Dynamic. I bought it when it was 10mths old having been a hire car. When I took it in for its first service I commented that it sometimes jumped out of gear. The gearbox had an oil leak and they had to replace the whole thing, (under warranty, but still a worry.) It has now gone in for its 36,000 mile service... and has another wasted gearbox! That's two whole gearbox's in less than 3 years. Has anyone else ever had this kind of problem or am I just really unlucky?

Hi there from turkey.

I bought stilo active 1.6 three mont ago. In first week engine temperature increased max degree and "temperature failure stop engine" message displayed then I went services and radiator switch replaced in warranty. In second month I noticed some noise from front suspensions dealer said to me steering wheel box should be replaced in warranty I am waiting for that spare part.

Above problems not much important, but stilo makes very much noises while driving on rough road. Is there anyone having this noise problem?

Best regards.

I test drove a fiat stilo 1.6 dynamic 3dr yesterday, and was very impressed with how the car handled and also all the little hidden extras that come with it. it is a 52 plate, but is not a fiat dealer, I really want this car, but I have heard so many bad things about fiat cars and I am only 18 and don't really know what is my best option as my budget is tight. does anyone have any suggestions for me...

Hi,

I purchased a Fiat stilo 1.8 Dynamic september 2003 from new and have had three minor problems.

1. Front suspension became squeeky after 1 year, but was fixed in 5 minutes by the dealer.

2. The clutch pedal became squeeky and had to go in twice to be repaired, but now all OK.

3. Door Trim not installed correcty when manufactured so I could hear the wind coming through the door at 40+mph.

Other than that the car is perfect, it handles perfectly with the 17" 215/45 wheels round corners, the ABS & ASR has saved me from near accidents in the snow, it has a good engine, I service it myself and is very easy to do compared to most modern cars. On motorways driving at 70mph+ it use's hardly any fuel, all in all the car is great I have had a few other makes of car, but this Stilo beats them by far and I will definately purchase another one.

"Air-bag Failure - Stop Engine". I too have had this occur in my Fiat Stylo 1.6 blar. And yes it scares you. (3 yr old Car in possession for 6 months) Occurred late Saturday afternoon on a bank holiday, and the service dept closed until Tuesday. Fiat Sales were not interested and would not assist. The AA insisted I should not drive it as it was considered dangerous!! local garage (friend) said 90% sure it was purely computer problem, should be OK to drive get it to the dealer for diagnostic test on Tuesday. Looking on Internet, and thanks to your advice have fiddled under the passenger seat. There appears to be a reset kind of flap under the seat where the wires are connected. Put ignition on and "wiggled" flap - the warning light has gone out and when started engine, the warning has disappeared. Will contact Fiat on Tuesday to advise. Remember to inform AA, as if you need them and have not used them once reporting a fault - there may be problems. - hope this helps.

I have had a Fiat Stilo for 1 year and 5 months. It's been in the garage no less than 6 times, and I still have a oil leak, had the coils replaced and front passenger tyre wears more than the rest. Also had a recall on the suspension, a nice car to drive, but so unreliable with the engine fault lights coming on at least once a month. I would not recommend anyone to buy one!!!