Fiat Stilo (2001–2006)

4.0/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

15 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

View all parts
1
Electronics
2 reports
2
Interior rattles / noises
1 reports
3
Window regulator
1 reports
4
Gearbox
1 reports

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.2 16V (80 Hp) (188A5000) 4.0 5 Electronics, Interior rattles / noises, Window regulator
1.4 (90 Hp) (192B2000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 (95 Hp) (843A1000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 i 16V (95 Hp) (843A1000) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 6 more engines
1.6 (105 Hp) (192B3000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 16V (103 Hp) (182B6000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 (133 Hp) (192A4000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 16V (133 Hp) (192A4000) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 (170 Hp) Selespeed (192A2000) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 20V (170 Hp) (192A2000) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.9 16V JTD (140 Hp) (192A5000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.9 JTD (115 Hp) (192 A1.000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.9 JTD (80 Hp) (192A3000) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.9 Multijet (120 Hp) (192A8000) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 1 more engine
1.9 Multijet (150 Hp) (937A5000) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Stilo Hatchback

If it weren't for the unreliable ignition system and the terrible placement of the engine control unit on the engine, this car truly wouldn't be worse than a Golf. For those who bought a Fiat Stilo 1.6 16v and it's not failing yet, I recommend relocating the control unit to the side wall of the battery cover; it won't overheat there. Overheating of the solder joints in the control unit manifests as various errors on the display and engine stalling. Also, if a coil is faulty, the car will misfire or even run on three cylinders.

Pros: Potentially good alternative to a Golf if issues are addressed.
Cons: Unreliable ignition system., Poor placement of engine control unit leads to overheating., Engine can stall due to control unit issues., Misfiring or running on three cylinders if a coil is faulty.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Fiat Stilo Hatchback Review

Good brakes, suspension a bit too soft for the sporty 3D silhouette. The engine performs well from around 2.5-3k RPM. Of course, LPG slightly reduces power, but it doesn't bother me much. The only drawback is the true, Italian Christmas tree on the dashboard, and especially the famous airbag failure, which I can't get rid of for longer than 5kkm. Additionally, the ECU needs to be relocated from its factory position. Interestingly, bulbs also burn out; sometimes I had it so that after...

Pros: Good brakes, Engine offers good torque from low RPM
Cons: Suspension a bit too soft for sporty feel, Frequent "Christmas tree" warning lights, Persistent "airbag failure" warning, ECU needs relocating, Bulbs burn out often
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Fiat Stilo Hatchback Review

I drove this car for 3 years, and its general condition was average. I want to give an objective review of this Fiat. I think it's a really good car at a very good price. It's very easy to drive and even comes well-equipped as standard. The bodywork is a strong point for Fiat; mine had a dented fender where a piece of metal protruded without paint. Over 3 years, this section didn't rust. The engine is sufficiently flexible, and even though it was the weakest 80 hp version, it pulled decently. Fuel consumption...

Pros: Excellent value for money, Easy to drive, Good standard equipment, Durable bodywork, resists rust
Cons: Average overall condition, Weakest engine version still pulls decently
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Stilo hatchback

Owned for 18 years, not a single bad word. 430,000 kilometers. Attention!!! Reliable car. Never had a breakdown preventing driving, always returned home. Parts only replaced due to normal wear and tear. Oil, filters every 20,000 km. Engine and turbo untouched. I believe Fiat JTD and related engines are top-class diesels. Once, a year ago, it wouldn't start on a winter morning, but only because I waited too long to replace the battery.

Pros: Exceptional reliability over 18 years, Drove 430,000 km without major failures, Durable Fiat JTD diesel engine, Only normal wear and tear parts replaced
Cons: Battery issue caused a no-start once
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Stilo Hatchback: Great Value

A great car that didn't sell as it should due to its high initial price. Currently, depreciation makes it a full package for a reasonable amount of money. Very good equipment, pleasant finish (leather). Good driving comfort and an engine with character that pulls the not-so-light body. Contrary to appearances, this car should be treated not as a hot hatch, but as a hatchback with Grand Tourer traits. It's most enjoyable to drive it at speeds of 100+, the engine's flexibility allows for seamless driving.

Pros: Excellent equipment, Pleasant interior finish, Comfortable ride, Characterful engine, Good value for money
Cons: High initial price, Not a true hot hatch
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Fiat Stilo Hatchback

I bought the car fully aware of its past and potential future faults, and I don't regret it. I purchased it in Germany, and it was in a neglected state, but after bringing it here, everything was repaired, and now it all works very well. Almost immediately, I also relocated the unfortunate computer module, so no issues with it or any electronics. I also removed the plastic engine cover. I'm positively surprised by the complete lack of rust.

Pros: No rust at all, All repairs completed, functions well
Cons: Known historical faults, Required extensive repairs upon import
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Stilo Hatchback Review

The Stilo with this engine is less refined than the Seat Ibiza 1.4 85 hp, consumes a lot (with AC in heavy city traffic, I even saw 18 l/100 km), while spare part prices are like those for diesels (1200 PLN for a new injector and 550 for a reconditioned one???). Similar to the faulty M32 gearbox in Alfas and Fiat Bravos, the weakest link of the Italian car is the German element, i.e. the engine (GM design, also found in the Opel Astra). The clutch price was also at a similar level.

Pros: Spacious interior
Cons: High fuel consumption, Expensive parts, Engine issues (GM design), Clutch price
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Fiat Stilo Hatchback: A Worthy Choice

For a car in this class, it's highly recommendable. It has a few flaws and annoying issues, but after a year of use, I can honestly say I don't regret the purchase. It's twenty years old, so minor issues can crop up, especially being a Fiat, I didn't expect such a good car. However, I also think the 1.6 105 hp version would have been a better choice, supposedly less prone to breakdowns. My controller failed, but after repair, there's no problem, and until now, I haven't had to spend more than.

Pros: Good value for its class., Surprisingly well-built for a Fiat., Reliable after initial repairs.
Cons: Subject to minor electrical issues., Older model can have age-related problems., Specific engine versions might be more reliable.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Fiat Stilo Hatchback Review

I bought this car with 170,000 km on the odometer and have owned it for 1.5 years. It will serve me for another year before we part ways, so I can share a few insights. On the positive side, the parts prices and ease of repair are notable. This is a car for a young driver who wants to learn basic mechanics. Replacing suspension components, brake pads, wishbones, discs, and fluids is so straightforward that it can be done in a parking lot during a trip with a basic toolkit. Plus, the parts are incredibly affordable – hard to find cheaper for a young driver.

Pros: Affordable parts, Easy repairs, Good for learning mechanics
Cons: Requires mechanical inclination
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Fiat Stilo Hatchback Review

This car surprised me in every way. While looking for a car, I never thought I'd buy a Fiat like this... I've driven it for just over 15,000 km, and during that time, I've only spent money on minor things. It barely consumed any oil, with no leaks or other issues. I don't believe anyone tampered with the engine before, except for spark plug changes. It maintained its power, and the driving was confident, making me feel safe even at higher speeds, although the sound insulation left much to be desired. The gearbox...

Pros: Surprising performance and reliability, Low oil consumption and no major issues, Confident and safe handling at speed
Cons: Sound insulation could be better
Verified owner Verified
Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V (80 Hp) Hatchback 75,000 km

Very Good - Stilo

Problems: Already at 45,000 km, all the interior plastic was becoming sticky and leaving marks on clothes. A shame.

Verified owner Verified
Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V (80 Hp) Hatchback 260,000 km

Problem: Electronics

Very reliable car! Easy maintenance! Much more reliable than my old Citroens and Peugeots!!!! Airbag light often on, power a bit lacking but sufficient! Catalytic converter failed (normal at 220,000km!).

Pros: Car is very reliable!, Easy maintenance!, Much more reliable than my old Citroen and Peugeot models!!!!
Cons: Airbag warning light often illuminated., Power is a bit weak but sufficient!, Catalytic converter failed (normal at 220,000km!).
Verified owner Verified
Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V (80 Hp) Hatchback 75,000 km

Problem: Interior Noises

Sticky interior plastics at 45,000 km, clothes always stained. Driver's window mechanism makes loud grinding noises when opening/closing since 70,000 km.

Verified owner Verified
Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V (80 Hp) Hatchback 93,000 km

Problem: Gearbox

The glove box plastic becomes soft and leaves indelible marks. Black marks appear as soon as you touch the glove box, locks are difficult to use, windows open as soon as the key is inserted. Engine and airbag fault warning lights are on.

Verified owner Verified
Fiat Stilo 1.2 16V (80 Hp) Hatchback 73,000 km

Problem: Electronics

Many electronic issues with this car, the engine light comes on frequently, and the parking sensor buzzer is hard to find. The plastic on the doors is very sticky.

Pros: Very good car, Good road holding, Pleasant to drive
Cons: Rear parking sensor buzzer not found, Engine failure light frequently illuminates, Oil change always displayed since purchase (first owner), Sensitive electronics, Door fabric, all plastic is very sticky

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