Photo: M 93, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
3 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.
3 known faults
The 1.3 and 1.6 JTDm are prone to particulate filter clogging on cars used mainly for short journeys, and to EGR valve clogging: loss of performance, irregular running, limp mode. One owner of a 1.3 JTD 95 hp reports an EGR valve replaced at 35,000 km (isolated case). Replacing the EGR valve costs €129 to €358 depending on the garage.
A recall concerns MiTos built between September 2010 and December 2015: in an accident, the second inflation stage of the driver airbag may not deploy correctly. Whether a car is affected depends on its serial number: have the VIN checked by an Alfa Romeo dealer.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
The 1.3 and 1.6 JTDm are prone to particulate filter clogging on cars used mainly for short journeys, and to EGR valve clogging: loss of performance, irregular running, limp mode. One owner of a 1.3 JTD 95 hp reports an EGR valve replaced at 35,000 km (isolated case). Replacing the EGR valve costs €129 to €358 depending on the garage.
A recall concerns MiTos built between September 2010 and December 2015: in an accident, the second inflation stage of the driver airbag may not deploy correctly. Whether a car is affected depends on its serial number: have the VIN checked by an Alfa Romeo dealer.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
The MultiAir electro-hydraulic unit can seize if the oil is degraded or oil changes are spaced out: difficult cold starts, loss of power, misfires. On MultiAir petrol engines built before November 2012, an Australian report also flags a piston that can come away from its aluminium housing, causing loss of compression in one cylinder.
A recall concerns MiTos built between September 2010 and December 2015: in an accident, the second inflation stage of the driver airbag may not deploy correctly. Whether a car is affected depends on its serial number: have the VIN checked by an Alfa Romeo dealer.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
The MultiAir electro-hydraulic unit can seize if the oil is degraded or oil changes are spaced out: difficult cold starts, loss of power, misfires. On MultiAir petrol engines built before November 2012, an Australian report also flags a piston that can come away from its aluminium housing, causing loss of compression in one cylinder.
A recall concerns MiTos built between September 2010 and December 2015: in an accident, the second inflation stage of the driver airbag may not deploy correctly. Whether a car is affected depends on its serial number: have the VIN checked by an Alfa Romeo dealer.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
A recall concerns MiTos built between September 2010 and December 2015: in an accident, the second inflation stage of the driver airbag may not deploy correctly. Whether a car is affected depends on its serial number: have the VIN checked by an Alfa Romeo dealer.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Compare prices of parts for the Alfa Romeo MiTo I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.