Model reliability

Fiat Stilo reliability

The Fiat Stilo fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 50.3% of 1,108 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

50.3% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 1,108 MOT tests of Fiat Stilos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenBrake performance11.4% vs 5.8%

Fails 2× as oftenHeadlamp aim11.2% vs 5.4%Fix about £30

Fails 94% more oftenExhaust emissions9.9% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 80% more oftenSuspension arms9.2% vs 5.1%

Advised 3× as oftenExhaust system16.6% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Advised 4× as oftenSub-frames14.8% vs 4.2%

Advised 46% more oftenFluid leaks14.7% vs 10.1%

Advised 38% more oftenTyre condition14.4% vs 10.4%Fix about £90

Safety recalls

5 DVSA recalls for the Fiat Stilo

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2007/01220 Apr 2007Built 2006Engine power may be lost

It is possible that breakage of the ancillary devices pulley on the crankshaft may occur. Should this happen there is the possibility that engine power and functions such as power assisted steering and braking assistance may be lost.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the crankshaft pulley inspected and changed should this be necessary.

Recalled models: STILO · 1,474 vehicles

R/2006/18428 Nov 2006Built 2001–2006Suspension coil springs may break

Under environmental conditions that require the intensive use of salt on the roads corrosive deposits may infiltrate the rubber plate which supports the front suspension springs initiating seats of corrosion which may lead to the spring breaking after a period of time.

Fix: To avoid damage to a tyre in the event of spring breakage a plate will be fitted which will contain the spring.

Recalled models: STILO · 44,221 vehicles

R/2005/04311 Jul 2005Built 2002–2003Possible loss of steering

Excess play between steering rack and pinion leading to noise and possible loss of steering when parking.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the steering pinion bearing preload adjusted or the steering rack assembly will be replaced as necessary

Recalled models: STILO · 3,030 vehicles

R/2003/0691 May 2003Built 2001–2002Unintended activation of side window airbags

It is possible for the side window air bags to deploy unintentionally.

Fix: Replace the air bag central control unit.

Recalled models: STILO · 566 vehicles

R/2003/02831 Mar 2003Built 2001–2002Possible short circuit in engine cooling fan control unit

A short circuit may occur in the engine cooling fan control unit with a resultant risk of overheating.

Fix: Fit a new cooling fan control unit.

Recalled models: STILO · 230 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Fiat Stilo before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Fiat Stilo reliability

5 DVSA recalls for the Fiat Stilo

Checking a Fiat Stilo before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.