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Fiat carsCode 194

Fiat Croma problems (2005–2010)

We have documented 2 engines for the Fiat Croma; the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD has high or critical severity faults. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, Al Volante considers the Croma one of the most reliable Fiats and names premature wear of the manual gearboxes as its main weak point. The Dutch MOT scheme, which only covers cars that fail, also records broken springs and worn ball joints in every model year (2005-2010). We have found no recalls for this model.[3][4]

Fiat Croma (2005–2010)
Photo: Rudolf Stricker · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.9out of 10

Fiat Croma rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 13 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

  • Engine6.3From 5.2 to 7.5 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox8.61 fault
  • Suspension7.22 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior6.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.6 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

The weak points of the Fiat Croma

  1. 1High severity: Intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine
  2. 2High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine
  3. 3Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by carbon1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine · repair €130–€800
  4. 4Medium severity: Particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine · repair €350–€600
  5. 5Medium severity: Dual-mass flywheel wear on manual gearbox versions1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine · repair €1,900

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

17 sourcesHow we work

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 Croma
2005–2010[5]
Names
1.9 Multijet 120 · 1.9 Multijet 150 · 2.4 Multijet 200
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.[6][7][8]

  • 2.4 JTD/Multijet (136-210 hp, 1997-2010)1997–2010 · 136–210 hp

    With caution

    It shares the same weak points as the 1.9 (EGR valve, turbo, dual-mass flywheel) with the added cost of a five-cylinder engine with more parts and less common mechanicals, so there are fewer owner accounts than for the 1.9. Worth considering with a maintenance history and a budget for a somewhat more expensive repair if needed.[5][9]

  • 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.[9][10]

Faults that affect the Croma

  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

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

2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet

Safest option

Fiat 2.4 JTD / JTDm / Multijet de 5 cilindros (Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat) · Diesel

In the Croma
2005–2010[1][5]
Name
2.4 Multijet 200 CV
Faults that affect it
4
Risk index on this car
25
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 2.4 JTDm / Multijet 20V 200 hp (2005-2011)2005–2011 · 200 hp · 939 A3.000

    With caution

    This is the version with the most documented weak points: the intake manifold flaps (Fiat acted in 2007) and the EGR valve (24 mentions in 63 testimonies for the 159). The 159 testimonies also cite the particulate filter (18) and the cylinder head (4 for head gasket and 5 for cylinder head), although we have found no press to confirm it. Buy with the 2007 action carried out, the EGR and DPF history in view and the invoice for the belt and water pump.[1][2]

Faults that affect the Croma

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeIntake manifold flap failure (swirl flaps)According to Auto Świat, the intake manifold flaps of the 200 hp 2.4 JTDm often failed and left the car without power or in limp mode. In 2007 Fiat launched a corrective action that replaced the manifold, injectors and EGR; the 210 hp reportedly does not suffer from it, although Diariomotor disagrees.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlClogged or faulty EGR valve on the 2.4 JTD and JTDmThe EGR valve is the most-cited fault in the testimonies for the 200 hp 2.4 JTD of the Alfa 159: 24 mentions in 63, plus 8 in 36 for the 210 hp and 12 in 64 for the 156. It gets dirty or fails; RACE puts the cost of replacing an EGR between €130 and €800 on cars in general (not a price specific to this engine).Repair (garage): €130–€800
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector failure and diesel leaks on the 2.4 JTDmThere are injector failures on the 2.4 JTDm: 9 mentions in 163 testimonies for the Alfa 156 and 159. A 2008 210 hp lost five injectors one after another at 93,000 km, with diesel leaks, and Fiat's 2007 action on the 200 hp replaced all the injectors.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchDual-mass flywheel and clutch wear on the 2.4 JTDThe flywheel of the 2.4 JTD appears in 11 mentions out of 163 testimonies (6 on the Alfa 159, 5 on the 156), often together with the clutch and between about 113,000 and 200,000 km. Auto Świat warns that on the 10V replacing the dual-mass flywheel can be expensive and that not all parts are easy to find.

Croma 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet pageAll versions and faults of the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet

Faults of the Fiat Croma 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 Croma

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 1,545 inspections of 581 cars registered between 2005 and 2010, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 13.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 9.7%.

    More defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 10.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.4%.

    Average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 27.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 27.4%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.3%.

    More defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 8.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 5%.

    More defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 18% of inspections; in cars of its age, 8.8%.

    More defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 7.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 5.8%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 17.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.8%.

    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 Croma

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 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD (2005–2010)

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 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet (2005–2010)

Intake manifold flap failure (swirl flaps)

Medium severity

Clogged or faulty EGR valve on the 2.4 JTD and JTDm

Medium severity

Injector failure and diesel leaks on the 2.4 JTDm

Medium severity

Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear on the 2.4 JTD

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Fiat Croma

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.

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Buying a Fiat Croma?

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Own a Fiat Croma? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fiat Croma reliable?

We have documented 2 engines for the Fiat Croma; the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD has high or critical severity faults. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet, with a «With caution» verdict. Outside the engine, Al Volante considers the Croma one of the most reliable Fiats and names premature wear of the manual gearboxes as its main weak point. The Dutch MOT scheme, which only covers cars that fail, also records broken springs and worn ball joints in every model year (2005-2010). We have found no recalls for this model.

Which Fiat Croma engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet, with a «With caution» verdict. This is the version with the most documented weak points: the intake manifold flaps (Fiat acted in 2007) and the EGR valve (24 mentions in 63 testimonies for the 159). The 159 testimonies also cite the particulate filter (18) and the cylinder head (4 for head gasket and 5 for cylinder head), although we have found no press to confirm it. Buy with the 2007 action carried out, the EGR and DPF history in view and the invoice for the belt and water pump.[1][2]

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

Outside the engine, Al Volante considers the Croma one of the most reliable Fiats and names premature wear of the manual gearboxes as its main weak point. The Dutch MOT scheme, which only covers cars that fail, also records broken springs and worn ball joints in every model year (2005-2010). We have found no recalls for this model. The most important documented faults are: broken or cracked suspension springs on the Fiat Croma (suspension, medium severity), worn steering and suspension ball joints on the Fiat Croma (suspension, medium severity) and premature wear of the Fiat Croma manual gearbox (gearbox and clutch, medium severity).[3][4]

What faults does the Fiat Croma have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, high severity), turbocharger wear or failure (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, high severity), EGR valve blocked by carbon (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, medium severity), particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, medium severity) and dual-mass flywheel wear on manual gearbox versions (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, medium severity).

Sources

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

  1. Silnik 2.4 JTD: mocny i trwały, ale czasem też kapryśnyAuto Świat · Motoring press · published 26 September 2011 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in another language
  2. Fiabilité Alfa-romeo 159 (2005-2012) (428 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  3. Fiat Croma serie 2 (194) restyle 2009-2011 – Fuori listinoAl Volante · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Italian
  4. Betrouwbaarheid Fiat CromaAutozine · Reliability study · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Dutch
  5. Fiat CromaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Alfa Romeo 156 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Alfa Romeo 147 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Opel Vectra C (2002-2008) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Alfa Romeo 159 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Opel Zafira B (2005-2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  11. Fiat Stilo : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Alfa Romeo GT: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Opel Zafira 2 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Fiabilité Alfa Romeo 147 (2005-2010) : pannes et problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  15. Alfa Romeo Brera (guía del taller)The Alfa Workshop · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  16. Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTD 210 ch 93 000 km (2008, Ti): avis d'un propriétaireFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · published 26 January 2013 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  17. Fiabilité Alfa-romeo 156: pannes par motorisation (2.4 JTD)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French