2004 Fiat Stilo Active 16 valve from UK and Ireland - Comments

This car has developed a grating / rattly sound which goes away when the either the clutch is depressed, or 6th gear engaged. The sound varies in intensity from VERY LOUD to relatively muted. At its loudest, the noise coming from the gearbox attracts a considerable audience. Their seems to be an increasing problem in gear selection... especially 4th gear and reverse. This problem has been insidious in its development... early symptoms being ignored as a possible loose exhaust flange. This car has still 5 days left to go under warranty. If anyone has any helpful comments or tips I would be glad to hear them as a matter of urgency.

I think your car needs a new gearbox, My Brava have had a problem similar to this one and the dealer discovered that there is a broken tooth in of the gears in the gearbox. I guess you must take an immediate action before the warranty in over. Good luck.

Gearbox whine in all gears (except the 6th gear) : It should be a bearing go see your dealer NOW.

Further to my piece 'Excellent Concept... Poor Execution'. I did in fact take this car back to the dealership from whence it was purchased. Initially I asked for a NEW gearbox as the Stilo was still under the manufacturer's warranty. However, I feel I may have made a real faux pas in allowing myself to be talked into accepting a re-conditioned gearbox instead. Part of the reason for this was because I was informed that the dealership only did re-conditioned gearboxes and partially because I need the car back as quickly as possible for my work. Re-conditioned gearboxes come with a 1 year guarantee vis a vis the 3 year manufacturer's guarantee. In view of the aforegoing I would like to ask if anyone has any experience of re-conditioned gearboxes, especially as applies to the Stilo? I would also like to ask if I have any rights to re-imbursement of those car hire charges incurred while the dealership repairs this vehicle? I did enquire about a courtesey car when I took the Stilo in for repair, only to be told that none was available.

There should not be any problem with a recon 'box, as they're are actually quite simple devices. As long as the synchromesh and bearing components have been replaced and the gears etc checked for defects, then it'll effectively be like new.

I'd be interested to hear how your getting on with it.