Steering rack and steering column Fiat: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Fiat models it appears in.

- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonFiat Punto IIElectric power steering motor and column failureYes: it is the most frequently cited non-mechanical fault on the fiches-auto.fr page (42 cases out of around 191 testimonials): the electric power steering motor or column fails and leaves the steering unassisted or intermittent.Appears at around 70,000 km
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat Doblò IMissing weld on the steering column shaft: possible loss of steeringIn 2006 a recall was issued in the United Kingdom (DVSA R/2006/138) for Doblòs, MPV and van, built in March and April 2006: the weld on the steering shaft at the lower universal joint could be missing, with possible loss of steering. It appears in the British register and we have not been able to confirm its scope in Spain.
- Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500Steering mount made of unsuitable material that can make the car harder to control (June 2021 campaign)In June 2021 Fiat opened a campaign because the steering mount on some 500 units was made of unsuitable material that could make the vehicle harder to control. The source consulted does not detail the production period or the number of cars affected.
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat BravoFiat Bravo steering rack failureAccording to the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr, a fragile steering rack appears frequently and has to be replaced between 85,000 and 95,000 km, with quoted costs of around €450 to €650. There is no official campaign.
- High severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500LSteering rack failure on the Fiat 500LAccording to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, one owner had to replace the steering rack at 75,000 km because of play, and another describes a stiff steering column caused by a weak battery. These are isolated cases with no official recall.

By Fiat model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the steering rack and column do Fiat cars have?

In 5 models from Fiat there are 5 documented faults with the steering rack and column. The most important: electric power steering motor and column failure, missing weld on the steering column shaft: possible loss of steering and steering mount made of unsuitable material that can make the car harder to control (June 2021 campaign). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Fiat models have the most problems with the steering rack and column?

Fiat Punto II (1 fault), Fiat Doblò I (1 fault), Fiat 500 (1 fault) and Fiat Bravo (1 fault).