2003 Fiat Stilo Dynamic from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have a 1.6 stilo dynamic which I have found to be very reliable until now. Whilst driving my engine fault light came on, I had no power in accelerating, car was vibrating and my wheels were shaking. anybody have any ideas on what could be the problem?

I have had a Fiat Stilo 1.8 Dynamic for a few months now the service light has been on since I've had it, but I just have not been able to get the money together for a service. I have had no problems until recently now randomly the ASR and ESP turn off along with an error message and tone. This isn't a major problem as of yet maybe a service will solve the problem. I am however running a very powerful amplifier off the battery maybe the huge draw of current is messing up the ECU. Hopefully I won't end up with any problems with the airbags ETC. If anybody else has this problem and knows how to fix it please email me at greeny200399@hotmail.com. I will post again if the service does fix it. I'm about to try reset the ECU as well.

Cheers.

Andy.

I have 1.8 dynamic anyone no how much to replace weight sensor in passenger seat?sharonwong@cwctv.net.

I have a 53 plate Fiat Stilo Active, about 1 month ago the engine blew up, cracked cylinder head, a complete melt down, with no warning. This was about a month after a service, I've regularly serviced the car and had every problem fixed, I even spent £60 on having a headlight bulb replaced, but only once, I must have had 6 or 7 in its lifetime. I now have the error message Oil pressure switch faulty, which I can't clear, I'm going to try the switching the ignition on and off a number of times, to see if this works, but knowing my luck it will probably cause another fault! Took it to the main dealer and told them the problem, they charged £80 and told me I had a problem and wanted £140 to look into it plus the prospect of having to replace the loom. I can't imagine ever buying a Fiat again, they look nice, but the build quality and backup is rubbish.

I have a 2001 1.6 Active. We got it September 07.S ince we bought it we have had the following:

Random Engine warning lights going from intermittent to solid at will.

Loss of power, heavy vibrating, over revving under acceleration, burning oil, pulling to the left, shredding tyres, on board computer failing, clutch disintegration, head gasket blowing, all the sparks replaced twice.

Long story short, it’s not working too well and has cost us a fortune to keep on the road. I should never have got another Fiat after the last one I had almost killed me when the steering failed (wheel spun completely independently of the car) while I was on a round about. I know this much; I will never so much as think of getting a Fiat ever again.

I have had a 2002 Stilo 1.2 active for three years. The car, like all other Stilos, has the incredible ability to fix itself when faults occur. For instance the radio failed and was out of commission for a few weeks then started working again. The usual lights come on, rear fog bulb, airbags etc - in fact some times she goes through the lot when I switch the ignition on and then all go out again. I have the airbag light on at the moment and the driver's door wont lock with the key fob. The rear doors squeak although I have emptied cans of 'Three and One' over every joint. If it was not for these problems the car would be very good. It always starts and has never let me down on a journey. Would I buy another one - no. Am I selling it - no - not for a while anyway.

I have a 1400 stilo. biggest problem was the passenger door locking mechanism failing locked. my 60yo sister was not happy trying to climb out through the drivers door. Surely this is a safety hazard, thank god we were not in an accident, sis would still be sitting there calling me names.

Have warning light on at the moment to say a fog warning bulb has failed when the thing clearly lights up when switched on.

My dealer has gone into liquidation, I think I must have been on some liquid to buy it.

I have a 53 plate Stilo Multiwagon Dynamic JTD 45,000 miles. Bought from main dealer last February. Has been in the garage 8 times, one of those times for seven weeks and then again for 3 weeks.

Faults:-

Engine stalls - Alternator failure & Low Oil Pressure warning - dealer says there is no problem. I would beg to differ when you are pulling out into a busy road and your car just cuts out.

Had to have complete new rear axle and front anti-roll bar but still drives like it has no suspension, bangs and knocks - dealer says there is no fault.

Had to replace CD interchanger.

Passenger seatbelt is stuck, need to replace it for MOT.

Had to replace front door straps.

Paint on door sills is pitted and we have lots of rust.

Boot locks up and won't open. Luckily we have the opening rear window so I can get my dogs out through there when it happens but it isn't fun, they're big dogs!

Brake light switch faulty, after 5 attempts and a new switch dealer refuses to look at it again. Cannot drive car like that as brake lights come on intermittently causing power to engine to fail (not related to engine stalling with alternator failure as described above). Fixed problem with blu-tac and cardboard!

We have an oil leak, supposed to be caused by a faulty gasket which was replaced but we still have an oil leak.

Engine management system has failed now so we cannot start the car at all at the moment. It is sat on drive as we cannot afford this new and costly repair.

My problem is partly dealer - mostly car. Have emailed Fiat - had no response. Have phoned Fiat - no one ever gets back to me. Enquired about buying a new Fiat to the same email address, had a reply within 24 hours...

Had similar experience with Cinqucenco Sporting (R reg) - bought from new. Fiat finally agreed to swap the car after 14 trips to the garage in 6 months and the engine bursting into flames, whilst I was driving!

Had a Punto SX (S reg) was fantasic, couldn't fault it at all which lead me to forgive Fiat and invest in the Stilo. Not this time though. Never buying Fiat again, ever.

In October 2003 I got delivery of a pre-ordered (6 months) Fiat Stilo 1.8 Dynamic with all associated extras of my choice. My wife and I have been all around Europe in this car and I am very surprised that so many people are having the problems they say they have. My car will shortly be five years old, I have regularly taken it in for servicing and quite frankly it has been a superbly reliable, fast, comfortable etc.

However, this car which I ordered through the local agents in Gibraltar was specifically built for continental europe as one can expect. Could the problems being suffered in the UK be on account of having to change, structures, wiring, mechanical fittings etc. because you drive on the wrong side. I have had 15 yes 15 Fiats to my hearts content.