Alfa Romeo2008–2012

MiTo 1.4 16V: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

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

Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Stop-start system warning lamp illuminated in instrument panel after reverse gear is engaged

Overview

Affects
All models with stop-start system and parking aid control, VIN →1123559.
Remedy
Software update

Cause

Instrument panel 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 instrument panel with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Engine coolant leak from coolant pipe connection on LH side of cylinder block

Affects All models with 1.4 petrol engine.Fit modified part

Cause

Unsatisfactory design of engine coolant pipe O-ring.

Repair

  1. Fit modified engine coolant pipe complete with O-ring.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

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

Multifunction control module 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 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 12.

Electrical & ignition

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Condensation in front fog lamps

Water ingress into front fog lamps. Fix: fit a modified part.

Overview

Affects
All models.
Remedy
Fit modified part

Repair steps

  1. Remove front fog lamps.
  2. Dry out and clean front fog lamps.
  3. Remove existing ventilation elements from front fog lamps.
  4. Fit modified ventilation elements to front fog lamps.
  5. Refit front fog lamps.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Front fog lamp ventilation element717530602

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

TPMS warning lamp illuminated

Affects All models, →VIN 1033724.C1010Software update

Symptoms

Trouble code stored: C1010 (TPMS sensor).

Cause

TPMS control module software fault.

Repair

  1. Re-program TPMS control module with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

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 6.

Brakes

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

ESP warning lamp illuminated

BPP switch incorrectly fitted.

Overview

Affects
All models.
Fault codes
C1215

Symptoms

Trouble code stored: C1215 - brake pedal position (BPP) switch.

Repair steps

  1. Remove BPP switch.
  2. Check operation of BPP switch, replace if necessary.
  3. Ensure brake pedal is fully released.
  4. Fit BPP switch (a click may be heard).
  5. Check operation of BPP switch.
  6. Erase fault memory.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
BPP switch505126811

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Hill hold function inoperative when brake pedal is released during stop-start system operation

Overview

Affects
All models with 1.4 16V/1.4 16V Turbo engines, VIN →01086314.
Remedy
Software update

Cause

ABS/ESP control module 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 ABS/ESP control module with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

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 8.

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 7.

Air conditioning & heating

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Noise from air conditioning (AC) when operating

Overview

Affects
All models with 1.4 16V/1.4 MultiAir petrol engines and air conditioning (AC).
Remedy
Fit modified part
Parts
2 parts

Cause

Vibration through air conditioning (AC) pipes.

Repair

  1. Fit modified AC pipes.
  2. Recharge AC system with correct quantity of refrigerant.
Parts2 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
AC pipe518263281
AC pipe518154741

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

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 10.

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 13.

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 14.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

VIN
Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
BPP Switch
Brake pedal position switch — behind the pedal, it triggers the brake lights
AC
Air conditioning — the system that cools the cabin
ABS/ESP
Anti-lock braking and electronic stability programme — the system that stops the wheels locking and keeps the vehicle stable
BPP
Brake pedal position — the switch behind the pedal that triggers the brake lights
LHD
Left-hand drive — steering wheel on the left
RHD
Right-hand drive — steering wheel on the right
TPMS
Tyre pressure monitoring system — warns if a tyre is under-inflated
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Fault Memory
The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
Instrument Panel
The dashboard display that shows warning lights and messages
Multifunction Control Module
The control module that runs shared electrical functions (lights, wipers, locking, and so on)
Parking Aid
The reversing/parking sensors and their control module
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
Trouble Code
A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
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 1.4 16V?

This guide contains 14 workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 16V. Of these, three concern the engine and fuel system and three the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 16V 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 1.4 16V 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 →