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Fiat carsCode 198

Fiat Bravo problems (2007–2014)

All 3 engines of the Fiat Bravo that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II, the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD and the 1.4 T-Jet. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4 T-Jet, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Fiat Bravo (2007-2014) collects complaints in the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr about the steering, wheel bearings and driveshafts, electric windows and the Blue&Me system. We have found no recalls or press coverage to confirm them.[4][5]

Fiat Bravo (2007–2014)
Photo: Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.3out of 10

Fiat Bravo rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 17 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.2From 4.8 to 5.7 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension7.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes6.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.3 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system8.92 faults
  • Headlights and lights7.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior6.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.4 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

The weak points of the Fiat Bravo

  1. 1High severity: Saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II engine
  2. 2High severity: Intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine
  3. 3High severity: Premature turbocharger failure or wear1.4 T-Jet engine · repair €1,100–€2,300
  4. 4Critical severity: Early tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failure1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II engine · repair €420–€550
  5. 5High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

22 sourcesHow we work

1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

Fiat 1.6 MultiJet II and 2.0 MultiJet II · Diesel

In the Bravo
2007–2014[5]
Names
1.6 Multijet 90 · 1.6 Multijet 105 · 1.6 Multijet 120 · 2.0 Multijet 165
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
52
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.6 MultiJet II (90-130 hp, 2006-2024)since 2006 · 90–130 hp

    With caution

    It is a mechanically sound engine if maintenance is kept up, but with known faults worth checking: the timing belt tensioner may need replacing before the official interval and the EGR valve clogs easily in urban use. A reasonable buy with a verifiable service history and after checking these points.[6][7]

  • 2.0 MultiJet II (120-170 hp, 2008-2024)since 2008 · 120–170 hp

    With caution

    It shares the same weak points as the 1.6 in the timing belt, EGR and particulate filter, with the addition of a turbo and a dual-mass flywheel that work with more torque in the higher-output versions. Recommended with a service history and after checking these components.[2][8]

Faults that affect the Bravo

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlSaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerationsIn urban use with short journeys, the particulate filter does not manage to complete its regeneration and becomes saturated; garages recommend a weekly motorway run to avoid it. The filter itself is among the weak points flagged in the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II after a certain mileage.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingEarly tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failureYes: the tensioner can lose tension before the official 120,000 km interval, with a flapping noise that, if ignored, can end in the belt snapping and the valves hitting the pistons. Several garages recommend bringing the change forward to around 90,000 km in mixed use.Repair (garage): €420–€550Appears at around 90,000 km
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by soot in urban useYes: the EGR valve builds up soot with urban use and short journeys, which causes loss of power and turns on the engine fault warning light. It is one of the most frequently cited faults of this engine in both the Jeep Renegade and the Fiat Doblò.Repair (garage): €200–€500
  4. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector 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.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchDual-mass flywheel wear in manual versionsThe dual-mass flywheel on manual versions is one of the weak points flagged in the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II after a certain mileage. When it wears it causes vibrations and metallic noises at idle and when using the clutch, and replacing it is not cheap.

Bravo 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD

Fiat 1.9 JTD, 1.9 JTDm Multijet (8v and 16v) and 2.4 JTD/Multijet · Diesel

In the Bravo
2007–2008[5]
Names
1.9 Multijet 120 · 1.9 Multijet 150
Faults that affect it
6 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
48
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.9 JTD/Multijet 8v (78-130 hp, 1997-2010)1997–2010 · 78–130 hp · Z19DT

    With caution

    A mechanically long-lived engine according to the workshops consulted, but with known faults that should be checked: the EGR valve clogs easily in urban use and, on the Opel and Saab versions, the intake manifold flaps and the turbo can give trouble. Worth buying with a verifiable maintenance history.[9][10][11]

  • 1.9 JTD/Multijet 16v (140-190 hp, 2002-2010)2002–2010 · 140–190 hp · Z19DTH

    With caution

    It shares the 8-valve version's EGR valve weakness and, on the Opel and Saab engines, the intake flaps, described as typical of this engine in the Opel Zafira B. With more power and, on many cars, a standard particulate filter, turbo wear and DPF clogging in urban use are added. Worth considering with a maintenance history and by checking these points.[12][13]

Faults that affect the Bravo

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonIntakeIntake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)Yes: the intake manifold has flaps that create a swirl in the air at low revs, and their mechanism can seize or break with use. Two independent data sheets point to this fault as typical of Opel's 1.9 CDTI, with loss of power and the engine warning light on.
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbocharger wear or failureThe turbo (fixed on the basic versions, variable geometry on the more powerful ones) fails occasionally: a documented Alfa Romeo 147 needed a new turbo at around 215,000 km, and the Opel Vectra C and Zafira B report failures among their owners, although other accounts describe it as very durable.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by carbonYes: the EGR valve accumulates carbon with urban use and short journeys, which turns on the engine warning light and causes loss of power. It is one of this engine's most cited faults, documented independently on Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Opel.Repair (garage): €130–€800Appears at around 80,000 km
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban useOn versions with a particulate filter, urban use with short journeys prevents regeneration from completing and the filter clogs: the warning light comes on, the car enters limp mode and consumption rises. A 30-minute motorway run every two weeks is recommended to avoid it.Repair (garage): €350–€600
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear on manual gearbox versionsYes: the dual-mass flywheel on manual gearbox versions wears with mileage and is usually replaced together with the clutch. On the Opel Zafira B there are several documented replacements between 105,000 and 195,000 km, one of them with a dealer invoice of around €1,900.Repair: €1,900Appears at around 105,000 km
  6. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeFaulty air flow meter on the 1.9 JTD / Multijet (loss of power)On the 1.9 JTD and 1.9 CDTI the air flow meter repeatedly appears among ancillary faults: loss of power. It is fixed by replacing the sensor after ruling out air leaks and the EGR.Repair (garage): €100–€300

Bravo 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD pageAll versions and faults of the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD

1.4 T-Jet

Safest option

Fiat 1.4 T-Jet / MultiAir Turbo (familia FIRE 16v turbo) · Petrol

In the Bravo
2007–2014[2][14]
Names
1.4 T-Jet 120 · 1.4 T-Jet 150 · 1.4 T-Jet 165
Faults that affect it
2 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
43
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet (without MultiAir, 2007-2010)2007–2010 · 120–165 hp

    With caution

    We have not found reports documenting widespread faults specific to this first series without MultiAir, but it shares its turbocharger and block with the later series: the reliability pages we consulted for models with this engine (including the Fiat Tipo, which uses the non-MultiAir version) repeatedly document turbo wear and oil consumption. It is worth checking the service history before buying.[1][2][3]

Faults that affect the Bravo

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.4 T-Jet has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboPremature turbocharger failure or wearOn the Fiat 500X, Fiat Tipo, Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass there are recurring reports of turbocharger failure, sometimes at very low mileage (from 15,000 km); the manufacturer has offered occasional goodwill discounts, but there is no official campaign.Repair: €1,100–€2,300Appears at around 15,000 km
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationHigh oil consumptionThe Fiat 500X, Fiat Tipo, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta have accumulated reports of above-normal oil consumption, in some cases up to 1 litre per 1,000 km; keep an eye on the level between services and do not wait for the warning light.Appears at around 60,000 km

Bravo 1.4 T-Jet pageAll versions and faults of the 1.4 T-Jet

Faults of the Fiat Bravo outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Fiat Bravo

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,813 inspections of 960 cars registered between 2007 and 2014, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 10% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7.9%.

    More defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 10.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7.8%.

    More defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 26.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 24.2%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.8%.

    More defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 8.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.8%.

    Many more defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 8.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6%.

    More defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 4.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 5.1%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 19.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.6%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Fiat Bravo

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II (2007–2014)

Saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations

High severity

Early tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failure

Critical severity

EGR valve blocked by soot in urban use

Medium severity

Injector faults and DPF particulate sensor failure

Medium severity

Dual-mass flywheel wear in manual versions

Medium severity

If it has the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD (2007–2008)

Intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)

High severity

Turbocharger wear or failure

High severity

EGR valve blocked by carbon

Medium severity

Particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use

Medium severity

Dual-mass flywheel wear on manual gearbox versions

Medium severity

Faulty air flow meter on the 1.9 JTD / Multijet (loss of power)

Low severity

If it has the 1.4 T-Jet (2007–2014)

Premature turbocharger failure or wear

High severity

High oil consumption

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Fiat Bravo

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Fiat Bravo reliable?

All 3 engines of the Fiat Bravo that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II, the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD and the 1.4 T-Jet. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4 T-Jet, with a «With caution» verdict. Outside the engine, the Fiat Bravo (2007-2014) collects complaints in the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr about the steering, wheel bearings and driveshafts, electric windows and the Blue&Me system. We have found no recalls or press coverage to confirm them.

Which Fiat Bravo engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4 T-Jet, with a «With caution» verdict. We have not found reports documenting widespread faults specific to this first series without MultiAir, but it shares its turbocharger and block with the later series: the reliability pages we consulted for models with this engine (including the Fiat Tipo, which uses the non-MultiAir version) repeatedly document turbo wear and oil consumption. It is worth checking the service history before buying.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Fiat Bravo have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Fiat Bravo (2007-2014) collects complaints in the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr about the steering, wheel bearings and driveshafts, electric windows and the Blue&Me system. We have found no recalls or press coverage to confirm them. The most important documented faults are: fiat Bravo steering rack failure (steering, medium severity), fiat Bravo wheel bearing wear and driveshaft defects (suspension, medium severity), fiat Bravo electric window failure (electrical system, low severity) and fiat Bravo Blue&Me system and radio faults (electrical system, low severity).[4][5]

What faults does the Fiat Bravo have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations (1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II, high severity), intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, high severity), premature turbocharger failure or wear (1.4 T-Jet, high severity), early tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failure (1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II, critical severity) and turbocharger wear or failure (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, high severity).

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiat Tipo : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiat Bravo (2007-2014) : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiat 500 (2007) : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiat Bravo 2007-2014: fiabilidad y testimonios de averías (227 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiat Bravo (2007)Wikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Fiat Tipo: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Jeep Renegade: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Jeep Renegade (seit 2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 2 March 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Alfa Romeo 156 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Alfa Romeo 147 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Opel Vectra C (2002-2008) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. Opel Zafira B (2005-2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  13. Alfa Romeo 159 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Motor FIREWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Jeep Compass: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  16. Fiat Doblò: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  17. Fiat Stilo : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Alfa Romeo GT: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Opel Zafira 2 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  20. Fiabilité Alfa Romeo 147 (2005-2010) : pannes et problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  21. Fiat 500X : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  22. Fiat 500X : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French