Fiat 1.2 8v FireEngine sensors
Sensor failures: lambda sensor and crankshaft position sensor (TDC) on the 1.2 8v Fire
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: Fiches-auto.fr documents a lambda sensor disconnection in the Fiat Panda II 1.2 60 hp (45,000 km, out of 38 reviews) and a mention of the lambda sensor in the Fiat 500 1.2 69 hp (160,000 km, out of 147 reviews); in the Fiat Punto (Grande Punto/Punto Evo/Punto), the same source cites the crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor) as the cause of misfires, within a sample of 389 reviews. Recurrence in three different models, always in a minority of cases, justifies "occasional" rather than "frequent".[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on, associated in the documented cases with the lambda sensor.[1][2]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Misfires attributed to the crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor), according to the reliability profile consulted for the Fiat Punto.[3]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The sources document the symptoms (warning light, misfires) and point to the lambda sensor or the crankshaft position sensor as the components involved, without detailing in each case the root technical cause of the sensor failure.[1][2][3]
If it is not repaired: A faulty sensor can cause a warning light, rough running or misfires; in the documented cases it was resolved by replacing the affected sensor, with no damage to other engine components described.[1][2][3]
Affected cars and years
Documented in the Fiat Panda II, the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Punto (Grande Punto/Punto Evo/Punto); we have not found equivalent cases for the Lancia Ypsilon or the Ford Ka with this engine.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 8v SMPI 60-65 hp (1999-2009) | 1999–2009 | |
| 1.2 8v VVT 69 hp (2007-2020) | 2007–2020 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Fiat
- Fiat Panda II2003–2012
- Fiat Panda III2012–2020
- Fiat 5002007–2020
- Fiat Punto III2005–2018
Ford
- Ford Ka II2008–2016
Lancia
- Lancia Ypsilon III2011–2020
- Lancia Ypsilon II2003–2011
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis and replacement of the lambda sensor or the crankshaft position sensor, depending on the affected component.[1]
We have not found a published quote in Spain for these sensors on this specific engine.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- During the test drive, check that the engine starts well from cold and that there is no warning light on or rough running.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Replaced if it causes a warning light, irregular consumption or an engine management fault.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor)[3]
Replaced if it causes misfires or starting difficulty.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.2 8v Fire faults
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil consumption or leak, in one case from the rocker cover gasketThe 1.2 8v Fire can start to use or lose oil after a certain mileage; the only case with an identified origin points to the rocker cover gasket. It is the issue that recurs most for this engine, always in a minority of cases and without damaging the block.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionFaulty ignition coil (misfire, engine warning light)The 1.2 8v Fire's ignition coil can fail and switch on the engine warning light, with rough running; there is one documented case replaced at 40,000 km in the Fiat 500. It is one of the issues that recurs most in the sources consulted for this engine, though always in a minority of cases.
- Low severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming belt: preventive replacement, no documented breakage patternThe 1.2 8v Fire has a timing belt, which must be replaced preventively according to the interval set by the manufacturer of the specific car. The reliability sources consulted document no case of premature breakage for this engine: it is scheduled maintenance, not a recurring fault.
More faults with the engine sensors on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW B57AdBlue/SCR system fault (NOx sensors, heater and pump)A specialist garage considers the B57's AdBlue/SCR system the fault that most often leaves cars immobilised: a NOx sensor, the quality sensor, the heater or the pump usually fails, and topping up the tank rarely stops the countdown of remaining starts.
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet IIInjector faults and DPF particulate sensor failureIn some batches, a fault in the injection system or in the DPF particulate sensor turns on the engine fault warning light. In the Fiat Doblò, worn injectors or injectors with poor atomisation are also cited as a cause of power loss, higher consumption and black smoke when accelerating.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Fiat Panda (2003-2012)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Fiat 500Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Fiat Punto (Grande Punto / Punto Evo / Punto)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French