Verdict
A turbo twin-cylinder of 875 cm³ launched in 2010 on the Fiat 500 and voted engine of the year 2011, with MultiAir (UniAir) variable lift on the intake valves and a timing chain. Full of character but vibrating, it consumes noticeably more than its official figures in real use (often 6 to 8 l/100 km). Its known weak points: the UniAir module, lubricated by engine oil, which causes misfires; oil consumption reported by many owners; and wear of the turbo's wastegate. Insist on a regular oil change history using the recommended oil, and check the oil level.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- No year to avoid identified
Known faults
Faulty UniAir (MultiAir) module
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe UniAir hydraulic module, which controls the intake valves and runs on engine oil, is the usual suspect for misfires (often on a single cylinder, sometimes when hot at idle) and loss of power on the TwinAir. Fiches-auto lists it among the problems of the Fiat 500 TwinAir, and owners recommend regular oil changes with the recommended oil. Replacing it is expensive.
- Versions
- twinair-0-9
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Oil consumption
Severity 2/3 · CostlyFiches-auto states that the TwinAir has an “unfortunate tendency to consume oil” and to show coolant leaks; oil consumption tops the list of faults reported by online users on the Panda 0.9 TwinAir 85. Owners of the Fiat 500 and Panda report frequent top-ups; letting the level drop risks an oil pressure loss and engine failure.
- Versions
- twinair-0-9
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Wear of the turbo wastegate
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe wastegate valve pin of the turbo develops play with wear: a metallic rattle under the protective cover, erratic boost pressure, or even a switch to limp mode. Depending on the case, the repair involves the wastegate or requires replacing the turbo, which is integrated into the exhaust manifold.
- Versions
- twinair-0-9
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Models fitted
Buy with carePhoto: Harvey Bold, CC BY 4.0
Buy with carePhoto: Corvettec6r, CC0
Buy with carePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fiat Panda
since 2012 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €299/month
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Overlaet, CC BY-SA 3.0
Lancia Ypsilon
2011–2024 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €268/month
Maintain and diagnose this engine
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.