Fiat 1.3 Multijet / JTD (SDE)Particulate filter (DPF/FAP)
Incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution on the 1.3 Multijet
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency common: It is a known mechanism, documented on several versions of this engine (Fiat and Opel) in cars used mainly in town; Grande Punto owners with this engine cite particulate filter clogging among the most repeated problems.[1][2]
Symptoms
- Particulate filter warning light on when the system detects that it could not complete the regeneration.[1]DPF warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- The oil level on the dipstick rises instead of falling, a sign that it is mixing with unburnt diesel.[1][2]Oil level rises: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Loss of power and higher consumption while the filter is clogged or in the middle of an active regeneration.[1]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Acrid smell of burnt plastic and a higher-than-normal idle for as long as an active regeneration is under way.[1]
Why it happens
The particulate filter needs to regenerate by burning off the accumulated soot; on short urban journeys, many active regenerations are never completed.[1]
To burn off the soot, the ECU injects extra fuel that heats the exhaust gases; if the engine is switched off before the cycle ends, some of that unburnt diesel passes into the sump past the piston rings.[1][2]
The diesel dilutes the oil, reduces its viscosity and its ability to protect parts such as the timing chain or the bearings.[1]
If it is not repaired: Heavily diluted oil lubricates less well and can speed up wear on the timing chain, bearings and other internal components; in the filter, repeated clogging can end up requiring its replacement.[1]
Affected cars and years
It mainly affects versions with a particulate filter as standard, which became widespread with the arrival of the Multijet II in 2009; the risk is higher on cars that rarely make long journeys at a steady speed.[1][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 5 (75-95 hp, 2009-2015) | 2009–2015 | Z13DTH199B1.000 |
| 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 6 (95 hp, 2015-2020) | 2015–2020 | A13DTE |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Alfa Romeo
- Alfa Romeo MiTo2008–2018
Chevrolet
- Chevrolet Aveo II2011–2014
Fiat
- Fiat 5002007–2024
- Fiat Panda III2012–2024
- Fiat Punto III2005–2018
- Fiat Doblò II2010–2022
- Fiat Tipo2015–2024
- Fiat 500L2012–2022
- Fiat 500X2014–2024
- Fiat Qubo2008–2019
Ford
- Ford Ka II2008–2016
Lancia
- Lancia Ypsilon III2011–2024
- Lancia Musa2004–2012
Opel
- Opel Corsa D2006–2014
- Opel Corsa E2014–2019
- Opel Astra J2009–2015
- Opel Meriva B2010–2017
- Opel Combo D2011–2018
Suzuki
- Suzuki Swift III2005–2010
- Suzuki Swift IV2010–2017
- Suzuki Splash2008–2014
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the oil and filter after several regenerations in a row, or of the particulate filter if it becomes permanently clogged.[1]
We have not found a published price in Spain for replacing the particulate filter on this specific engine. The most effective and cheapest measure is preventive: avoiding the build-up of incomplete regenerations.
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
- Check the oil level with the dipstick: if it is above the maximum and smells of diesel, it is a sign of dilution from incomplete regenerations.[1]
- Ask whether the car is used mainly in town on short journeys; with that usage profile, ask for the regeneration history to be checked if the workshop can read it with diagnostics.[1]
- If the particulate filter warning light comes on frequently, ask for a road test before buying.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Particulate filter (DPF)
Replaced when it becomes permanently clogged and no longer regenerates even with a forced regeneration at the workshop.
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
How to prevent it
- Make at least one 20-30 minute trip a week on a motorway at a steady speed to encourage passive regeneration.[1]
- If the particulate filter light comes on, do not switch off the engine until the regeneration is finished, if conditions allow you to do so safely.[1]
- If you suspect dilution, change the oil and filter earlier than usual instead of waiting for the next service.[1]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 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
Why does the oil level rise instead of falling?
Because unburnt diesel from an incomplete particulate filter regeneration passes into the sump and mixes with the oil, increasing its volume and diluting it.[1][2]
Is it serious to drive with oil diluted by diesel?
Heavily diluted oil protects internal parts less well, including the timing chain; if it happens many times without an oil change, it speeds up engine wear.[1]
How do I stop the particulate filter from clogging?
By making long road journeys from time to time to complete passive regeneration, and by not switching off the engine in the middle of an active regeneration if it is safe to keep driving.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.3 Multijet faults
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboSeized variable-geometry turboOn versions with a variable-geometry turbo, the vanes can seize through soot build-up, especially on cars used in town for short journeys. The engine loses power gradually and may give off black smoke when accelerating.Repair (garage): €450–€700
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelThe Bosch injectors and the high-pressure pump of the common rail system are sensitive to poor-quality fuel or fuel with condensed water. With contaminated diesel they can generate metal shavings that damage first the pump and then the injectors themselves.Repair (garage): €600–€1,200
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by sootThe 1.3 Multijet's EGR valve easily accumulates soot on short urban journeys, causing an unstable idle, loss of power and the engine warning light. It is one of the most cited problems among owners of this engine.Repair (garage): €130–€400
More faults with the particulate filter on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiDPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)The additive-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the 2.0 HDi clogs relatively easily on short journeys, especially on the 107/110 and 136-140 hp versions. The anti-pollution warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power and may end up needing a new DPF.
- High severityFrequency: Common1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet IISaturated 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.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 Ingenium diéselFuel dilution of the oil linked to particulate filter regenerationsYes: on short trips and in urban use, the Ingenium diesel's particulate filter does not always complete regeneration, and some of the diesel injected to burn off the soot ends up mixing with the engine oil, which reduces its ability to lubricate.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMZR-CDOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerationsOn the 2.0 and 2.2 MZR-CD, injector seals that age badly and incomplete particulate filter regenerations on short journeys can let unburnt diesel into the sump, diluting the oil and leaving the engine with less lubrication.
- High severityFrequency: CommonSkyactiv-DOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsOn the Skyactiv-D (1.5, 1.8 and 2.2), particulate filter regenerations can let diesel into the sump and raise the oil level. Mazda accepts some dilution as normal, but on short urban journeys the expected margin can be exceeded and harm the lubrication of the turbo and the camshaft.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French