Alfa Romeo2013–2018

MiTo 0.9 TwinAir Turbo: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

10 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, three concern the engine and fuel system and one the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Engine & fuel system

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Possible trouble codes stored: P0325, P181D

Overview

Affects
All models with 0.9 TwinAir engine.
Fault codes
P0325
Remedy
Software update

Symptoms

Erratic stop-start system operation. Stop-start system not working.

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Central locking not operating when using remote control

Overview

Affects
All models.
Remedy
Software update

Symptoms

Irregular operation of lane departure warning system. Irregular operation of stop-start system.

Cause

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program multifunction control module with upgraded software. Note: To carry out an effective repair a software upgrade will be required - refer to manufacturer.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Engine will not start

Overview

Affects
All models with 199B6.000/199B7.000 engine codes.
Fault codes
P0016P0196
Remedy
Software update

Symptoms

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Possible trouble codes stored: P0016, P0196.

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program ECM with upgraded software. Note: To carry out an effective repair a software upgrade will be required - refer to manufacturer.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

Electrical & ignition

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Seat belt warning buzzer and warning lamp on when seat belt fastened

Overview

Affects
All models.

Cause

Front seat belt buckle wiring harness damaged due to trapping in seat height adjustment linkage.

Repair

  1. Repair or replace front seat belt buckle wiring harness as necessary.
  2. Protect wiring harness with convoluted plastic conduit.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Brakes

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Brake pedal sticking or not returning causing overheating of brake discs

Affects All LHD models with manual transmission.Fit modified part

Symptoms

Brakes binding.

Cause

Unsatisfactory design of brake pedal assembly.

Repair

  1. Fit modified brake pedal assembly.
Parts4 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Brake pedal773661841
Brake pedal pivot pin717478031
Brake pedal pivot bush717403972
Clip717476931

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Steering

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Multifunction steering wheel controls intermittent operation or not working

Affects All models with multifunction steering wheel controls, VIN →0X012959.Fit new part

Cause

Multifunction steering wheel control button assemblies faulty.

Repair

  1. Fit new multifunction steering wheel control button assemblies.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Air conditioning & heating

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Excessive vibration through vehicle when stationary with engine idling

Overview

Affects
All Euro VI emission level models with 0.9 petrol engine, stop-start system and manual transmission, VIN →X070840.
Remedy
Software update

Symptoms

Erratic idle when air conditioning (AC) operating.

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software. Note: To carry out an effective repair a software upgrade will be required - refer to manufacturer.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Wipers & visibility

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Windscreen wiper blade not clearing windscreen efficiently

Affects All models: RHD: VIN →1134174. LHD: VIN →1133311.Fit new part

Cause

Unsatisfactory design of windscreen wiper arm.

Repair

  1. Fit new driver's side windscreen wiper arm.
Parts2 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Windscreen wiper arm (LHD)505215481
Windscreen wiper arm (RHD)505215491

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Other

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Poor performance or failure of AC system

Overview

Affects
All models with air conditioning (AC), VIN →1134577.
Remedy
Fit modified part
Parts
3 parts

Cause

Refrigerant leak from AC pipe seal rings.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Fit modified AC pipe seal rings. Recharge AC system with correct quantity of refrigerant.
Parts3 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Seal ring108778871
Seal ring108779802
Seal ring108781801

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

Poor performance or failure of AC system

Overview

Affects
All models with 0.9/1.3/1.4 engines and air conditioning (AC).
Remedy
Fit modified part
Parts
2 parts

Cause

Failure of AC condenser.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Fit modified AC condenser Recharge AC system with correct quantity of refrigerant.
Parts2 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
AC condenser (petrol models with non-turbocharged engines)505265141
AC condenser (except petrol models with non-turbocharged engines)505265151

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

MIL
Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
ECM
Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
VIN
Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
Trouble Codes
Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
AC
Air conditioning — the system that cools the cabin
LHD
Left-hand drive — steering wheel on the left
RHD
Right-hand drive — steering wheel on the right
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Multifunction Control Module
The control module that runs shared electrical functions (lights, wipers, locking, and so on)
Refrigerant
The gas/liquid that carries heat in the air-conditioning system
Re-Program
Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Stop-Start
The system that cuts the engine at idle and restarts it when you pull away
Wiring Harness
The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Alfa Romeo MiTo 0.9 TwinAir Turbo?

This guide contains 10 workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo MiTo 0.9 TwinAir Turbo. Of these, three concern the engine and fuel system and one the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Alfa Romeo MiTo 0.9 TwinAir Turbo have these faults?

No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.

Can I check for Alfa Romeo MiTo 0.9 TwinAir Turbo faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.

Related guides

Glossary term

See in the glossary →