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 severityFrequency: 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 severityFrequency: 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.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Ducato IIISteering rack with insufficient lubrication: steering getting heavier (2006-2007 units)Yes: in 2007 Ducatos built between July 2006 and June 2007 were recalled because lubricant was missing between the steering rack and pinion, which could make the steering wheel harder to turn and damage the teeth of the rack. The figures are from the British DVSA.
- Critical severityFrequency: 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.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareFiat 600Power steering motor with a crack that can lock the steering (built April-May 2024)A European campaign covers the Fiat 600 and 600e built in April-May 2024, in which a crack in the electric motor of the steering rack can release plastic pieces from the worm wheel and lock the steering.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareFiat Panda IIISteering column height adjustment mechanism on the Fiat Panda III (2018 campaign)A 2019 European campaign (Fiat code 6207) affected Pandas built between 6 and 14 September 2018 because of a possible fault in the column height adjustment mechanism, which could come unlocked while driving.
- Medium severityFrequency: 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 severityFrequency: 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.
- High severityFrequency: RareFiat SediciSteering column mounting on early carsalVolante cites a possible incorrect fitting of the steering column mounting as the only fault in the Sedici's early years. Gebrauchtwagenberater records a campaign on the SX4, its twin, for a steering column that may not have been fitted properly on 2011 and 2012 units.

By Fiat model

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Steering rack
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Frequently asked questions

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

In 9 models from Fiat there are 9 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 rack with insufficient lubrication: steering getting heavier (2006-2007 units). 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 Ducato III (1 fault) and Fiat Sedici (1 fault).