Fiat 1.3 Multijet / JTD (SDE)Timing chain
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure on the 1.3 Multijet
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency common: It appears repeatedly in forums and specialist workshops for Fiat, Opel and Suzuki cars with this engine, and several technical sources describe it as the characteristic weak point of all generations, although an engine rebuilding specialist rates it as partly mitigated (not eliminated) on the later Euro 6 versions from 2015.[1][2][3][4]
Symptoms
- Metallic rattling on a cold start, which gets worse as the tensioner loses its ability to keep the chain tight.[4][6]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- The oil pressure warning light may flicker on start-up when metal debris from the chain rubbing blocks the pump strainer.[2][4]Oil warning light: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- A deeper knocking noise may indicate that the lack of oil pressure has already worn the bearings or camshaft.[4]Engine knock: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- If the chain skips teeth or breaks, the engine stops abruptly and is seriously damaged.[2][6]Engine stalls: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- Metallic rattling on a cold start, which gets worse as the tensioner loses its ability to keep the chain tight.[4][6]Noise on start-up: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The chain's hydraulic tensioner loses pressure when the oil degrades because change intervals are too long or the oil is of poor quality, letting the chain slacken.[1][2]
With a slack chain, it rubs against the front cover, which also houses the oil pump body; the friction releases aluminium shavings that mix with the oil.[4]
Those shavings block the intake strainer and the lubrication passages, which reduces oil pressure and speeds up wear on the bearings, camshaft and turbo.[4]
If it is not repaired: In the most serious cases, the loss of oil pressure can end in engine seizure within a few minutes of running; if the chain skips or breaks, pistons and valves can collide and the engine is a write-off.[2][4]
Affected cars and years
The chain and tensioner design is common to all three generations of the engine; a source specialising in engine rebuilding places the documented cases mainly between 2004 and 2014, with partial improvements from the Euro 6 engines of 2015 onwards.[4][5]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009) | 2003–2009 | Z13DT |
| 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
- Suzuki Ignis I2003–2007
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Complete timing kit (chain, tensioner and guides); it does not always include labour or the water pump, which it is worth replacing in the same job.[3]
Figure from a fault aggregator for this engine, not an official price list; we have not found a labour breakdown specific to this engine in Spanish sources. The cost can soar if there is already damage to the bearings, camshaft or turbo from lack of oil pressure.
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
- Ask for the maintenance invoices and check that oil changes were done on time and to the manufacturer's specification.[1]
- Start the engine from cold and listen during the first few seconds: a metallic rattle that soon disappears is a sign the tensioner is already losing capacity.[4][6]
- Ask whether the chain has already been inspected or replaced, and at what mileage; on an older car with no such history, expect to have it done soon.[1][4]
- Check that the oil pressure light goes out immediately on start-up and does not come back on while driving.[4]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Timing chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets)[3]
Replaces the complete set; specialists advise against changing just the chain or just the tensioner on its own.
Indicative price of the part: €350–€550
Oil pump and intake strainer[4]
Inspected or replaced when shavings from the chain have contaminated the lubrication circuit.
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
- Change the oil every 10,000-15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, using the exact specification given by the manufacturer.[1]
- Ask for the chain noise and tension to be checked at every service, especially beyond 100,000 km.[6]
- Do not stretch oil change intervals even if the car covers few kilometres a year: oil also degrades with time and short cold journeys.[1][4]
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
Do all versions of the 1.3 Multijet have timing chain problems?
The chain and tensioner design is the same across all three generations, and there are documented cases on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford. A source specialising in engine rebuilding considers the problem partly mitigated, but not solved, since the Euro 6 engines of 2015.[4][5]
How do I know if the chain on my 1.3 Multijet is worn?
The first warning is usually a metallic rattle during the first few seconds after a cold start. If the oil pressure light also flickers or the engine loses power, the chain may already be affecting lubrication.[4][6]
Can chain failure be prevented?
Largely, yes: the main documented cause is long oil change intervals or oil that does not meet the specification. Keeping to the intervals and having the noise checked at every service greatly reduces the risk.[1][2]
How much does it cost to replace the timing chain on a 1.3 Multijet?
A fault aggregator for this engine puts the complete kit (chain, tensioner and guides) at €350-550, not counting labour. We have not found an official breakdown including labour for this engine at Spanish workshops; the cost rises if there is already damage from lack of oil pressure.[3]
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
- High severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlIncomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilutionIn heavy urban use, with short journeys that do not let the particulate filter regeneration finish, unburnt diesel passes into the sump and dilutes the oil; the level can rise on the dipstick and the oil loses its ability to lubricate. Repeated many times, it speeds up engine wear.
- 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 timing chain on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTiming chain stretchYes: the timing chain on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel can slip or stretch prematurely and put the engine out of time, with a risk of serious failure. It is documented on the Evoque, Discovery Sport, XE, E-Pace and F-Pace, with engine failures between 90,000 and 130,000 km in several owner reports.Repair (garage): €4,000–€7,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.6 CRDiTiming chain stretchThe two timing chains of the U2 D4FB (one of which also drives the high-pressure pump) tend to stretch at around 120,000-150,000 km, with a characteristic metallic rattle. If left unattended, the chain can jump teeth and cause the pistons and valves to collide.Appears at around 120,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
- Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Quando sostituire la catena di distribuzione sul 1.3 Multijet: riconoscere i sintomiRettifica Pompeo · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Italian