Fiat Ducato road test reports and car reviews

Fiat Ducato 2005

I saved hard to buy this motorhome. I think I get about 75mpg as it spends most of its time on a breakdown truck. I’ve been to 2 Fiat garages now and can do a journey of about 200 miles before the AA comes out.

Fiat Ducato 2.3 multijet maxi 2007

I have had no problems, one recall upgrade on fuse wires. I love the van, but... as a courier this van, although there is no denying that it works hard, in the first 6 months had a recall and I also reported a problem with check strap on the driver door. There was no problem, they replaced it. At the time I also pointed out rear driver door had dent coming out from inside van door. Van had first year service with Fiat, no problems. Now, after 8 months I have taken it back to report fault with rear doors not closing properly and that the top hinges on both doors the metal underneath has started to break open. In my disgust they said I had waited too long and that the check strap was broken and this caused the CONSEQUENTIAL damage to the top hinges of the rear door and this is not covered by warranty. So I took it a little further to Fiat customer service and they have returned an offer of £100 towards repair work and that I have to pay for the rest. As I feel ripped off due to the fact the warranty manager and Fiat customer services have made this decision on photos I do not feel that this is a fair warranty decision or customer care. I will not purchase another, cheers Fiat. This van has 3 years warranty and there is nowhere in the warranty manual does it say consequential damage is not covered or that you have to be a vehicle expert to notice damage being caused to your van so you can report it quicker. I have the van since Dec 07.

Fiat Ducato Ci Carioca 705 motorhome 2008

13 months ago we bought a Ci Carioca 705 motorhome with a 2.3 multijet diesel 6 speed mounted garbox. We have 2,000 miles on the clock and a serious reverse gear judder problem - daren’t even reverse onto the levelling blocks! Fiat have done 2 modifications. Sent up their technical man to test drive it. Judder is just as bad, but they say they have done everything they intend to do and that it is within normal limits. Our life savings and retirement dreams stand abandoned in the drive - we just cannot risk the expense of having to replace a burnt out clutch not covered under warranty. Our advice - DON’T TOUCH A FIAT WITH A BARGEPOLE. THEY DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE LITTLE MAN.

Responses to this review

I had to reverse up a hill in Spain coming back from Morroco. The engine and gearbox lept all over the place even when slipping the clutch, which I nearly burnt out. When I came back to the UK and took it to my local Fiat commercial garage, Fish Brothers in Swindon. Fiat fitted a new bigger engine and gearbox mountings and said to try it again,which I did but it was still the same (reverse gear was too high, about the same as 2nd foreward) I complained to Fiat HQ in Slough and to Fiat in Milan and they sent a new clutch and new gearbox with a lower reverse gear, which Fish Brothers have fitted. This seems to have cured the problem. P.S. Chelston Motorhomes at Wellinton have fitted loads of new gearboxes to some of their customers 2 year old'ish motorhomes anymore info required phone me on 01993 843310 as i came across this site by accident and would not know how to get back to it - Pete Ranger from Oxfordshire

Fiat Ducato swb 2008

The van had to have a new starter motor with less than 10 miles on clock. It has been back twice for gearbox judder and vibration, the dealer confirms there is a problem. A Fiat technician road tested the vehicle and does not agree. Fiat will not give me the technician’s report. I just hate reversing uphill and I will never buy another Fiat comercial vehicle.

Fiat Ducato 2009

The 5 stars on this report are nothing to do with a Ducato... they are for the people who have written reviews on here. We saw a Ducato on the road and liked the look of it so we went to a few dealers and looked them over. Naturally the dealers told us just what wonderful vehicles they are and very nearly talked us into putting down a deposit there and then. Because its a lot of money we decided to come home, think about it and then make our decision but I know my husband had already made up his mind to buy one and was just humouring me. I decided to look online for some reviews/opinions/etc to make up my mind one way or another .... I found this site and I am soooooooooooo grateful for the honesty of all the contributors. We will NOT be buying one. Thank you all for not letting me waste my money.

Fiat Ducato 20 MultiJet MWB 2007

This van was easily the worst purchase we ever made. In the first week the heap wouldn’t start due to an engine management problem. The dealership put it down to jump starting!!! A week old van??? After this the gear box rattled like a bag of spanners and had to be completely replaced. To continue the windscreen washers failed for the first time and the entire door trim came off in my hand when closing the door. The central glove box then opened on its own and cracked itself nicely - it now has to be permanently locked to keep it in one piece. Next the windscreen washers failed again and had to be replaced. On came the engine warning light again and the van would stall on motorways losing all power for braking, steering and lights - nice... Now the side door decided to pop off - got that fixed but the closing sensor on the door then developed a problem and we had to disable the buzzer as it was driving us mental. The washers failed again and the drivers mirror has turned into a lettuce leaf - flapping in the wind and cannot be adjusted - the only alternative is a complete replacement at £400 plus vat. As i write we’ve been to the dealer again to have the windscreen washers replaced again and the door sensor repaired again. Nightmare - looks good, loads of room so one star but what a heap - do not buy this poor mans van!!!!!

Fiat Ducato 2-litre petrol 1996

I bought my campervan in June 2009. It’s petrol but nicer to drive than a deisel. I’ve been all over the place in it and think it’s great. I bought it from Highbridge, near Brean; two brothers have a small garage with abought 12 on the front. They told me people are getting trouble with the new Fiat Ducato’s but the older ones seem better.

Fiat Ducato motorhome 2008

Rubbish. Bought new from dealer 6 weeks ago. Broke down twice as we attempted to go on summer holiday. Has been in a FIAT garage in Redon, Brittany for 8 days now waiting a replacement part. Fiat Assistance are useless and there is no customer service. DO NOT BUY ONE!!!!!!!!!!

Fiat Ducato Motorhome 2007

Motorhome with reverse vibration over last two years. Just had work done with Fiat dealership, still have same problem. Fiat can not do any other repairs, they suggest replacing gearbox at my cost. Customer care is c**p. I will never buy any other car or van from Fiat.

Fiat Ducato 1996

I have a problem with my 1996 Ducato. The engine cuts out when the indicator is switched on or the headlamps are flashed. It is a very intermitent fault. Has this happened to anyone else?

Responses to this review

I’ve had an intermittent fault, which caused the same problem,after investigation I found the ignition feed multiplug under the dash was not correctly pushed together. The problem had only occured 6 or 7 times in 3 or 4 years, but has been fine since - Dave from Derbyshire

Fiat Ducato Moncayo Mediteranneo 2008

We purchased a brand new Fiat Ducato Motorhome and broke down on our first outing with the loss of most of the engine coolant due to a faulty inboard heating unit. On the second outing we had to terminate our holiday early as the inboard battery became flat due to a faulty charger and an audio signal loudly emitted a bleeping signal which we thought would be audible outside the van as it was late at night. We have also experienced judder in reverse which we are about to register with Fiat. We are losing faith in this vehicle as we have experienced many teething problems.

Fiat Ducato 2.2

Good van to drive but like a lot of others has EGR valve problems & it is a nightmare getting Fiat to fix it. Has any one else noticed the spot welds cracking & breaking free on the lower rear door hinge stiffening plates? Open the doors & look- my right hand one has bust & fiat just don’t want to know. My mates Maxi is starting to get the same on 08 plate (mines 07). Be interested to hear of any more.

Fiat Ducato 2006

I have had a 06 new shape Ducato from new. And have had nothing but bother with it as already mentioned; glove box is flimsy and was broken within a week, all the plastics on the van are prone to damage. Water pump went after less than 30,000 miles the sliding door has never worked or locked without pushing it with your shoulder despite being looked at three times. Now after only 40,000 miles the clutch slave cylinder has gone and it is inside the gearbox will cost me over £1,000 as Fiat say it isn’t covered by the final year drive only warranty. The van drives well apart from when in reverse and it judders like hell. My advice is do not buy a Fiat. Nearly forgot the spare tyre holder had to be cut to get the tyre out as it did not work - only six months old.

Fiat Ducato 2.5 Tdi diesel motorhome 1998

I am reasonably happy with my Ducato, it is after all ten years old. I was surprised to find that it is not wax injected on production. I wish to comment on Rich Davenport’s problem ie. the discharging vehicle battery. I had a similar fault which turned out to be the split charge unit. One of the relay contacts had stuck leaving the lesure battery permanently connected across the vehicle battery. This had resulted in the lesure batteries fuse blowing when I started the van and the vehicle battery being connected to the habitation 12 volt system whilst the lesure battery was disconnected by the blown fuse. Hence the vehicle battery was feeding the various devices that I leave on when I park up the van and loosing it’s charge. Hope this helps, Ian Barker.

Responses to this review

Can you help me? I have just bought a Fiat Ducato Euromobil Motorhome 1998 but I do not have a users manual.Can you tell me where to get one from? - James Pitkeathly from Lanarkshire

Fiat Ducato 2008

Does anyone on here have battery problems? I bought my new CI Mizar Elite motor home on a Ducato base last October and within a couple of days the battery needed a jump start. We took it beck to the dealer who in fairness fitted a new battery without any quibble but since then, I’ve started the Ducato no less than 5 times since using jump leads because there was insufficient power in the battery to even turn the engine over. Of course, when you talk to Fiat they just shrug their shoulders and tell you that it must be driven regularly in order to maintain the battery. But for anyone else with the same problem, I suggest (and it probably won’t make a lot of difference anyway) that you have a look at the ’arrangement’ Fiat use on the negative side of the underfloor battery. I think I’m right in assuming that battery terminals should be "Tight" but the connection that Fiat use on their latest Ducato does seem to leave a lot to be desired as there is no way that it can be tightened sufficiently unless like me you release the connection and try to get it farther down the negative pillar, thus making a tighter connection. Although the connection on my battery is a ’tad’ tighter than before, the battery still loses all its power over the course of a week or so, and then I have to resort to jump leads again.

Fiat Ducato 2.3 2006

We run 6 vans in all and our two Fiat’s are the only vans that we have had no problems with in 3 years. The rest are Ford’s and they are never out of the dealers.

Fiat Ducato Hobby 725 2.8JTD 146BHP 2006

Purchased new in Germany in January 2006; face lifted mark 2, LHD 4,500 kilo ALKO chassis, tag axle Hobby 725 motorhome with 146 bhp engine [uprated engine only available in lhd]. Drives superbly, pulls like a train, will cruise all day at 80mph, plenty of poke for overtaking. Fuel consumption 21 - 27 mpg. Mileage 35,000 kms (date now; 06/05/09); nothing has gone wrong/fallen off, nothing has been replaced (which is more than can be said for the motorhome conversion). Came with cruise control, twin airbags, cab air con, elec. mirrors, CD player. Good van, well pleased.

Fiat Ducato 2007

I had bought a Fiat van in march 2007 as a Trigano Tribute camper. I have had no problems with the van as it is now known for practicality. After common problems with clutch Fiat had started to resolve these issues in 2006. I now have no fear whilst touring Europe. An excellent van and motorhome to buy. Well done Fiat, nice one.

Fiat Ducato 20jtd 2008

Had my van for 1 year - no problems, starts first time. There was a problem with the fan switch and found a brake pad stuck on so mpg not so good until that was fixed. Other than that no complaints, a good cheap van.

Fiat Ducato Hymer 574 2006

Re: FIAT Ducato problems: Gerard Moyne, Northern Ireland Fiat Ducato 2008: I need people to contact me re: the difficulty with Fiat Ducato Motorhomes Vans! My 2008 4.5 tonne motorhome is shuddering in reverse gear and the clutch is burning when trying to reverse due to a problem known by Fiat to exist. I am looking at taking a class action re: this problem and need anyone who has a problem to contact me. moyne@gpsi.ie Reply: I bought a new French Hymer 574 - 2006 model, put on the road Jan. 2007 - nothing but problems! Investigation shows that our chassis left Italy for Hymer Germany autumn 2005, so it hung around until we bought the vehicle end of 2006. As to the Fiat Ducato chassis. I have the Iveco 2.8 engine - fine. Chassis: front wheel bearings failed, replaced in Paris free of charge last September, but took 3 days as the part numbers with ABS & without ABS are the same, but some bits that were required are different - the told me. Failure of Ducato front wheel bearings is a well know weakness. Reversing on a slope: bad clutch judder as the ratio is too high - a well know problem which I have and Fiat don’t want to know about. Fiat France tell me there is a ’short gearbox’ with a lower gear ratio that can be fitted at customer’s expense. HYMER should have not built a 3.5 vehicle on this chassis. Speedo was for the usual 16 inch wheels, but Hymer used a series of special chassis with 15 inch wheels (cheaper for them). Took a year for the complete speedo assembly to be replaced under guarantee by approved Fiat (Iveco) dealer here in France Hand break failed several times causing two accidents. Re-tensioning by Fiat dealers failed to overcome the problem. Explanation: this is caused when the rear break assembly is hot. When the hand brake is first fully applied to maximum, it works. BUT, as the mechanism cools, the breaks soon began contract, slowly relaxing the grip thus allowing the vehicle to move if on a slope. No remedy for this, block in first gear, I am told. As to the Hymer problems, too long to explain here, but we have had to resort to legal assistance to try to have outstanding faults repaired and still await parts to arrive from Germany. And as a journalist, in direct contact with the director of Hymer France, who I meet each year at the big exhibition in Le Bourget - Paris, I still can’t get anywhere! Basic problem is the motorhome constructors have had such a demand in recent years for their products, they just don’t care when their dealer has our money. Also, the Ducato van chassis is not designed to be permanently loaded to 3.5 ton, I am told. And under your UK regulations there is the C1 category of 3.5 ton un-laden, up to 7.5 ton maximum weight (which does not exist in France, but in Germany they drive 3.8 ton on a car licence). Many motorhomes are too heavy for the commercial van chassis they are frequently built on.

Responses to this review

We have just bought a Fiat motorhome and it’s the biggest load of c**p, it’s never been right from the day I put the key in it. An abundance of gear box problems: 1st and 2nd gear, then 5th and 6th went; the clutch stinks, and reverse gear is far to high for the vehicle.. What a nightmare! It’s been in the garage for well over a month and Fiat customer service is appalling; a word that sums up Fiat in a nutshell. I’ve no confidence in the vehicle, just a mountain of stress - Mike Palmer from Cardiff

Fiat Ducato MWB 2.3 2007

I purchased a van on 22/09/07 from a local Fiat dealer. Faulty back light replaced 3 times. Fuel pump failed off road for 2 weeks. Back doors wouldn’t stay open. It is now been off the road for another week + waiting for passenger door mirror after someone knocked it off. I am not happy. I am changing van this week as the local dealer is useless. I hope I get better service with the new LDV. Was thinking of buying a new Fiat Panda for my wife but going to by Daihatsu now. I would like to warn other people not to buy a Fiat van or anything to do with Fiat. Lovely van let down by local dealers and Fiat’s attitude. The van is badged as professional but it doesn’t do what is says, it’s second rate. If you would like to phone me on this matter my number is 07968134260.

Fiat Ducato 2003

Clutch went twice... gear box went... faulty shocks...

Fiat Ducato 2.3 120 high roof panel van 2007

I’ve had this van for 13months (58k) now and it’s been nothing but problems. I’ve lost count at how many time it been to dealer; so far it has had new gearbox, clutch, turbo relay, turbo engine management system, reversing lights relay and countless other tweaking. It’s now a week after the turbo intercooler pipe came off and was replaced it has broken down again this time with yet more gearbox problems. I came to a roundabout today and put the clutch in and that was it - back to the dealer on the back of a low loader. That means that in 13 months it will have been off the road for about 4 months. Oooh the joys of buying a Fiat...

Fiat Ducato 2007

A customer of mine has just taken his Ducato into the dealers with a broken clutch; he bought the van 3 months ago second hand. Took gearbox out & dealers told him the clutch has exploded due to driver error & that it is the second clutch its had in 57000miles & there is no warranty on it so £800+ thank you very much! I personally saw the old clutch & the springs had tried shaking themselves free... this causes the judder which many are complaining about & eventually will explode. How can this be driver error when so many people are complaining of it? Are all the complaints from bad drivers? Come on Fiat... get a grip!!!!!!

Fiat Ducato 2007

Customer of mine just taken his Ducato into dealers with a broken clutch - he bought the van 3 months ago second hand. Took gearbox out & dealers told him the clutch has exploded due to driver error & that it is the second clutch it’s had in 57000miles & there is no warranty on it so £800+ thank you very much! I personally saw the old clutch & the springs had tried shaking themselves free... this causes the judder which many are complaining about & eventually will explode. How can this be driver error when so many people are complaining of it? Are all the complaints from bad drivers? Come on Fiat... Get a grip!!!!!!

Fiat Ducato Motorhome 2008

Hi everyone! Everything you read on the Fiat 2.3 multi jet is absolutely TRUE. I have owned every model of the Fiat since its first early model. Their latest model has not been tested fully. Otherwise why would these very basic problems exist. For example - water ingress and, very important, reverse vibration shaking the gearbox to pieces. If anyone says this vibration does not exist they are either doing what an ostrich does or they are a Motorhome salesman. If this vibration happened on one of their Ferrari’s then the problem would be cured in the pits, not in 2years. They know what this problem is but they are playing the numbers game. When they say their technical team are working on this problem, this is an insult to those very clever guys who built this otherwise good machine. I ask just how long have they been building commercials. Finally, if you have this van then you must get a case number for future reference.

Responses to this review

I have taken delivery of a new Fiat Ducato this April, and along with many other problems I am experiencing reverse judder on anything greater than a slight gradient. Can anyone advise me of where I obtain a case number for this problem and from whom? - William Harrison from England

Hi. I thought it only right to come back and report the final outcome of my reverse judder on my Fiat Ducato 2.3 on a 57 plate. On 18 Sept I had the second modification carried out and I’m pleased to report that all is now well. It’s taken nearly 2yrs to get the job done but they got there in the end. If you could lay your hands on a copy of the July edition of the Caravan Club Magazine there was a very informative article by Andy Stothert, a man who has worked very hard over the last 2yrs to get Fiat to come clean and admit that a fault did exist. Finally, I’m returning 30 mpg overall, the computer says a bit more, but tank to tank fillups show 30 mpg, not exceeding 60 mph. The van is 23 ft long and 3500 kg. If you need a case number Fiat UK will oblige. It’s all in your handbook, or phone 00800 34280000, your dealer will be your first point of call, he will test the van and take it from there. Good luck - Leslie Thorley from England

Fiat Ducato Motorhome 2008

I brought this Fiat based motorhome in May 2008. From day one we have experienced a severe judder. It only been back to the dealers 10 times; I say only because we have now abandoned this heap of junk on the drive, we are totally sick of it. On every occasion we reverse we end up back at the dealers for several hours. To date we have only done 2100 miles, approximately 500 of these have been done by Fiat. The dealer is useless.

Responses to this review

Our motor home is just 13 months old with 2,000 miles on the clock. It has had two modifications done and been inspected by a Fiat rep. The reverse judder is so bad we dare not reverse onto levelling blocks. Have today been told that they will do nothing morel!! Like yours, ours is in the drive - we daren't take it out for fear of burning out clutch, etc. - Mary Morton from Yorkshire

I'm considering buying a motorhome based on the Fiat Ducato and I've heard of this reverse judder. I've also heard that the more powerful engines suffer less. I have noticed that some lower-end coachbuilders offer an engine having only 100hp which strikes me as being far too small for such large vehicles. Many reviews report such reverse judder but I would very much like to know what the horsepower output their engine has. Please, any other reviewers, it could help if you also mentioned your engine's output - Philip Davies from Staffordshire

Hi! I’ve just got a Fiat ducato motorhome 09, and hey presto, at 2000 miles on the clock the 1st and 2nd gear went, then 5th 6th, then problems in reverse gear with huge shudderings and then a that clutch smells the street out. It’s done more miles on a back of a transporter! Fiat have been useless with the repairs, and it came up that there was 7 recalls on it. It’s been in the so called workshop for well over a month, with no estimate of when it’ll be ready. Stress? A mountain of it! Fiat customer service? I could right on the back of a postage stamp what they know about this, appalling. I wish I had bought a Mercedes - Michael Palmer from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Fiat Ducato 2.3 130 hp Motorhome 2008

In April this year I bought a nice sunny new Fiat Ducato Base Motorhome; the 2.3 engine is very responsive and pulls well from low revs; the only problem I’ve had with the Fiat so far has been 2 duff batteries, 1 leisure and the engine battery. The dealer I bought it from replaced the leisure battery with no hesitation but it’s been a different story trying to get the engine battery replaced, the Fiat dealer has put up more fences than the grand national. I’ve contacted Fiat direct about it as I was worried about the service. It’s hard to get work done under warranty - what would the service be like to get an oil change? But I have to get it serviced by a Fiat dealer to keep the warranty active, they have informed me I can travel to Dublin to get this done! So, in conclusion, the main problem doesn’t lie with the Ducato but the dealers who service them. The first dealer I used even found a spare wheel on the van which was news to me as they don’t come with one! So that explains why I won’t be using them again. My Ducato has done over 5000 miles including a trip to Holland and many to the Republic of Ireland as well as England and I’ve had no problems with it so far (touch wood). One main note is to check the dealer service before you have any work done.

Fiat Ducato 2008

I need people to contact me re: the difficulty with Fiat Ducato Motorhomes Vans! My 2008 4.5 tonne motorhome is shuddering in reverse gear and the clutch is burning when tryng to reverse due to a problem known by Fiat to exist. I am looking at taking a class action re: this problem and need anyone who has a problem to contact me. moyne@gpsi.ie

Responses to this review

Same situation as your self. 2 modifications done to 2.3 multijet gearbox. Reverse gear judder so bad daren’t use van. Today been told by Fiat that they won’t do anything else - Mary Morton from Yorkshire

I have a Bessacarr 2.2 Ducato, which I bought new in October 2007. I too have had to replace my engine battery, and on two occasions have had to jump start it. I have reported the reverse judder to Fiat in Italy. Their reply was, they are only carrying out modifications to the 2,3. What is it with Fiat? They know they have a serious problem with the reverse gear, yet they refuse to acknowledge it. My worse nightmare happened after filling up at a very busy service station. It just would not start, and the battery showed it was completely dead. I stripped the battery cover off, pulled and pushed the battery leads on the positive side, and with great relief, it started. I have checked and tightened all the leads and now intend to replace the five strip fuses on the positive connection to see if this will solve the problem. That’s when I can find a local supplier - John Maddison from England

Fiat Ducato 120 multi jet 2007

Done 34000 miles had a problem with the clutch. Pedal stays down you and have to pump it to change gear. Been in five times, still waiting for them to take out the gear box to check. Now the brakes have gone faulty, it would not stop. Been told the brake cylinder & servo are faulty but I have to wait for the parts to arrive. I won’t hold my breathe!

Fiat Ducato 2007

Whatever you do - don’t buy a Fiat Ducato!!!!!! There are two very serious problems; one can kill you the other will kill your bank account. Fiat denies all responsibility and knowledge of course. 1. Steering mechanism where it leaves the cab has a rotating bolt that can catch on items - in our case the factory fitted carpet caught on it resulting in total seizure of the steering system, fortunately at low speed so we survived. Fiat’s response - not our problem! Checked other types of vehicles and these either have protection, bolt higher up out of harm’s way or no bolt protruding. 2. Judder on reverse - one burnt out clutch in 3000 miles. Lots of others Fiat owners appear to have this problem - Fiat say it’s within specification. In our view Fiat are both incompetent and acting in a criminally negligent way. They are producing vehicles they have serious defects and they know it. Whatever you do - DON’T BUY FIAT! Pity there isn’t a negative rating.

Fiat Ducato Maxi 2005

We have 2 Ducato Maxis 51 plate 70k miles 06 20k miles, both 2.8 jtd - never had a problem... Fantastic - best van on the market to drive....Take loads of weight etc... We had an N plate 2.5 that was better & more reliable than the VW Transporters we have had & still have.... much cheaper too!...We have 3.0L extra long extra high on order... Hope its as good as the other 3... Ps My brother’s got an X plate as well & apart from 1 wheel bearing that’s been great to... Maybe we are easy drivers?

Fiat Ducato Motorhome 1998

I also run a Fiat Ducato 1998 motorhome which I have not had any problems with since I bought it in 1998.

Fiat Ducato Adria Motorhome 2008

I have had 3 Ducato’s since 2004 in motorhome form - a 2004 2.3l, 2006 2.3l and my current Multijet 2.2 100 dci. I am surprised at the low level of satisfaction of other owners on this site. I have to say that I have not encountered any problems with the Ducato and in fact find the unit a pleasure to drive and own.

Fiat Ducato Motorhome 2005

Bought new. Could never get to start first time, engine very noisey, took mechanics 2 yrs to find timing was out. Replaced:- electric window motor, part for horn, timing sensor, ignition key lock mechanism, part for heater,all within the first 10000 miles. Now the reverse gear has deveopled a problem and starts to burn when under any load such as going up hill. Huge gaps in cab doors, passenger always gets frozen. FIAT should stand for Fix It Again Tommorrow. Low intial cost but the maintenane and repairs will break you. Never again.

Fiat Ducato 3.0 160 2007

I purchased the van in May 2007. I specified a multitude of extras at what appears to be a very reasonable cost compared with other makes. Problem No. 1 should have set alarm bells ringing. At 100 miles from new the van was in workshop having tow bar and roof rack fitted, when it was moved there appeared a large pool of oil on the floor. Local fiat dealer had van off road for over a week and reluctantly lent me a Citroen Berlingo whilst sourcing replacement oil seal from Italy (could have come from the most remote African state, the time it took!) To cut along story short the van is now in another Fiat dealer workshop and there it has been for the last 5wks whilst awaiting a new gearbox. Fiat have not got the 1st idea about customer relations. I managed to get the dealer to loan me their demo Ducato (a fact that they regret now) but this is no compensation for the inconvenience of not having my sign written fully racked out, kitted personal van. Not once has anybody from Fiat or the dealership contacted me - I’ve had to ring them every time (via Italy!!!) Look at the Fiat web site they proudly advertise the fact that they are aware how dificult it is to be without your van for even as little as half a day!!! As of today there is still no date when the van will be fixed. SAVE YOUR PENNIES AND BUY A BETTER VAN - FORGET FIAT!!.

Fiat Ducato 2.2TURBO DIESEL LWB 2007

We purchased our Ducato van in July 2007. Since then it has been in and out of Fiat dealership constantly. The engine management light comes on it looses power (so called get home mode) and we have to park up lock /unlock many times for it to clear. This happens at least twice a day. Fiat have replaced many items on the engine management but to no avail, we are at our wits end. Our rating should be minus 5.

Fiat Ducato 160 Comformatic 2008

I took delivery of a new motorhome with the powerful 160 engine on 02/06/2008. We decided to pay the additional £1400 and go for the Comformatic auto gearbox. On delivery the speedo trip read 48 miles, and at 139 miles (3 days later) the auto box died and we coasted to a halt. Selecting manual control made no difference, we had no drive at all. The motorhome was taken on a low loader to my nearest Fiat comercial dealer where it has undergone one and a half days examination with the computer attached to no evail. The dealer has been liasing with Fiat to resolve the problem but so far no joy, Fiat have now told them to remove the gearbox so they can examine it further. Am I alone here or are there others of you out there that are or have experienced the same problem?. Just one final note the dealer(who shall remain nameless at the moment) refused to take the vehicle back and told us in no uncertain terms that he would not allow the breakdown truck to off load this new motorhome on their sales forecourt. How about that for customer service!

Fiat Ducato 2007

All I can say is, buy a Merc sprinter. I’m a courier done 120,000 in just over a year, Merc sprinter 313 cdi,and no faults at all. Buy a cheap van and you will always have problems.

Responses to this review

I totally agree with you, I had a sprinter for 8 years, let me down once when master cylinder packed up. I bought a Fiat Ducato 120 mwb with 5000 miles on the clock, the first week it stalled on motorway doing 70+ 4 times, now fixed but the juddering in reverse up a hill is unbelievable, feels like the box will explode! Now at 15000 miles it judders in first as well. Fiat’s answer was to put new gearbox mounts on, a waste of time. I asked the engineer to drive to a slope and reverse up it, he said no; we’ll just reverse with the handbrake on but did agreed there was a problem. I’ve been waiting 6 months for an answer, but have just been fobbed off when I phone. I think they are waiting for my warranty to run out in 1 year’s time. "Sprinter is King" - Waz G from England

Fiat Ducato 2005

Fiat Ducato 2.0jtd 55 plate. Dreadful van! Noisy back end sounds like suspension is about to fall off, handles dreadfully. Bald front tyres at 15,000 miles - 65 mph = 3200 rpm - 70 mph = 3600 rpm = bad fuel economy - uses diesel like its going out of fashion. Side loading door rubber seal falls off every time I open the door. I can see daylight through back doors when they are shut. I could go on for ever, this is my second Fiat and it will be my last. Trading it now for a Nissan Primestar. Not impressed at all. AVOID.........

Fiat Ducato 2.2 100 Multijet Bessacarr Motorhome 2007

I bought this Ducato based motorhome just over a year ago. It’s done nearly 7000 miles and has recently had its first service (a Fiat low mileage service) It’s great to drive, much better that my previous model Ducato with a 2.3 engine. The controls are all very light in comparison and you easily forget it weighs around 3 tonnes. Despite the low mileage, when it does get used it tends to be on 4 or 5 hour journeys and it is very comfortable over that period of time. I like its looks, handling, comfort and ability to haul around its permanent heavy load with relatively decent fuel economy. Problems? It’s had a recall done for an engine cover to prevent damage from water ingress. Another recall dealt with a steering rack issue. Separately from these recalls it’s currently on its third starter motor (including the one fitted at the factory) and the drivers side windscreen washer jet went phut. It was a bit juddery in first and reverse gear but that seems to have disappeared after it was serviced following a flash upgrade to its engine management computer. This also seems to have made it slightly more economical. I’m not impressed with my Fiat dealer though as they never seem able to fully deal with problems on a first visit.

Responses to this review

I have a Fiat Adria motorhome with a 2.2 100 multijet and have recently had engine management problems. The engine failed to start and some of the warning light symbols failed to show on the console. North East Van & Truck tested it with their computer and the computer print-out showed (among other unrelated items) a fault on the engine control unit (ecu). They deleted the error and the engine started but since then it has failed several times. Luckily, it has been at home when this happened. I couldn’t get the vehicle to the garage so I called out a mobile vehicle electrician from AP & P who has been indefatigable in trying to find the fault. It seems to lie in the area between the ecu (behind the fuse box under the bonnet) and the plug at the dashboard end (in the fuse compartment under the dash). The ignition key code is not being recognised intermittently. Moving the plugs about on either end of this cable cluster sometimes brings up the missing symbols and the vehicle will start. I wondered if a Flash upgrade is the answer? Fiat have not offered that to me so far - D.W Duckering from Lincolnshire

Fiat Ducato 2007

Purchased in June 2007. Engine management light always coming on. After 5,000 miles EGR valve went. No courtesy car from Desira, Southgate. Handbrake in a stupid position, cup holders useless, fag lighter doesn’t stay in, storage compartment falls open when going over bumps. GET THIS ALL YOU DUCATO OWNERS...... some crooks punch a hole under the rear handle, push a screwdriver up it and hey presto, opens the back. Lost £1,500 worth of tools, took the mechanism out, but they then done the drivers door. Heap of s***e. Learned my lesson - put in a little bit more money and buy something decent.

Fiat Ducato 2.3 120 Multijet 2007

I have no problems with my Ducato Maxi. It’s done 10,000 trouble free miles, all the problems seem to be with the 2.2 100 hp engines. No leaks on my van either but I do have to agree - strong judder in reverse. It seems to be high geared, also best looking van on the market . This is my 2nd Ducato and the last one was no trouble neither.

Fiat Ducato 2.3 Multijet 2007

I purchased a Swift Bolero in May 2008 with the Fiat 2.3 Multijet engine. When we arrived back in Northern Ireland the engine would not start and I was left until last so as a mechanic could jump start it. A brand new vehicle. How embarrassing is that? The battery was dead and had to be replaced. I believe this is quite common with this vehicle but Fiat will not accept any responsibility for any vehicles that have been around for a while waiting for conversion. The motorhome dealer had to replace the battery. On my first trip away the injector warning light came on and the engine cut out. I was lucky that I was able to freewheel off the road into a lay by. I restarted the vehicle but the warning light stayed on so I continued on to my destination. A few hours later I started the vehicle and the light went out. This happened again on the way back just as I was approaching a coned off area on the motorway and I just got pulled in where the hards houlder ended. Again it started first time but the light stayed on. As the vehicle was dangerous I immediately booked it into a local Fiat dealer. On leaving my house I let the handbrake off and the button flew out of the end of it. I was on a steep hill and had to temporarily fix it while still keeping my foot on the foot-brake. On the way to the dealers the glove box door dropped open and it appears that it is a very bad fitting. The dealer has now fixed these items but can’t be sure that they will not re-occur. How can I trust such a vehicle? I intended to go to France this June but I think I should give it a longer road test before I go. While it was at the dealer they also did other warranty work including the cover for the engine to stop the water ingress. One of the technicians said he didn’t think this was lasting solution. A motorhome channel on YouTube shows the problem - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TWjrqpO4rI

Fiat Ducato 130 MultiJet 2008

I purchased the new Fiat 130 MultiJet. It has done 1,100 miles and I have dicovered a vibration on 1st and reverse gears. I have spoken to a local dealer about this problem where I was told that Fiat do not recognise this fault. Has anybody else had this problem?

Fiat Ducato 2.2 multijet 100bhp 2007

Purchased this van Nov 2007, van is OK apart from some problems. Problem 1 - uses a lot of oil. Problem 2 - water ingress in the rear of the van, this has caused the wood paneling to go moldy (only happens when it rains). Problem 3 - speedo in not accurate 10mph out of sync . Problem 4 - syncromesh has gone on second gear. Problem 5 - to many recalls on this van even though the van gets sorted out free of charge this still costs me in lost business of up to £800 per day as Fiat do not provide a loan van. Apart from these problems the van is good and puts a good image on my business; also very comfy. I had a Peugeot Boxer for 5 years and never had a problem with this.

Fiat Ducato 2.2 100bhp Multijet 2007

I purchased the van last year as secondhand, with 4000 miles on the clock, August 2007. I have put another 14000 miles on the clock since, have encountered two faults: water ingress through the gap in the middle of the rain gutter below the windscreen, leaking onto the engine around the injectors and a warning light on the speedo to do with ignition/injection problem, went out after two days though. I tried to get the van in to have the warning lamp problem investigated, but could not get it seen to until over a week, by which time it had sorted itself. Van whent in for recalls at Guests Motors in Willenhall, could not see what they had done, as the gutter still leaks and no cover fitted to protect the engine from water ingress, just a smearing of some sort of gunk around the injectors. Van runs fine but seems to take a good while for the temperature gauge to rise to normal. Sometimes it idles a bit erratic when first startup then settles down once it has run. Glove box does not close tight and looks as though it is about to fall open when shut. No judder as yet on reversing. Don’t like the feel of the brake pedal when ABS is in use, feels like its running through grit. All said and done, I still prefer this van to my last one, Vauxhall Vivaro, nightmare on wheels!

Fiat Ducato 3.0 2007

Scuttle leaks apart , the van has performed very well. The reported shudder in reverse gear has not effected my vehicle to date and I have not gone out of my way to make it happen. All other recalls carried out with no problems. Len.

Fiat Ducato 2.2 TURBO DIESEL 2007

We have had this van for 8 months done 36000 miles under duress egr valve faulty fiat will not change until "further tests have been done" van brakes down at least 5 times each journey due to valve. So far 7 recalls done more to be done. number plate lights corroded away and part of wiring loom too, drivers seat broke, door mirror glass fell out when door shut, new discs & pads fitted at 35000 ( last 2 vans did 100000 before new discs, same driver same job same everything ) pretty van but pretty poor.

Responses to this review

Hi. Eugene, I hope you dont mind me contacting you. You had 7 recalls, I’ve only had one for the computer, customer service didn’t give a monkeys. What were your recalls if you don’t mind me asking? I have a Fiat Ducato 2007 Turbo diesel, I bought it new and it’s only done 12500 miles. I did think that buying new would been better as the 3yr warranty would cover most of the problems - learnt my lesson with Fiat - Harry Butler from England

Fiat Ducato Motorhome 2007

If using this site for advice before purchasing a motorhome of heavy use commercial van BE VERY CAREFUL, Take a look at http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10368&posts=160 and http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10500&posts=50 Other motorhome forums and Fiat forums seem to carry similar information.

Fiat Ducato 2006

I purchased a Fiat Ducato 2.2 multijet 100bhp in March 2007, this vehicle was 6 months old and had been used as their demonstrator the mileage was 1130. I am on a 56 plate (new shape). Since i purchased this van i have had 3 new glove boxes because the catches kept on breaking and it would fall down whilst driving. I have had the air scoop on the bonnet replaced because when it rained the rain water would drip onto the engine because it was the one for the LHD model; i have had a new indicator stalk because of a fault with the indicators blowing fuses. I have had the electric door mirrors replaced. And to finalize in mid November 2007 on a Saturday morning on my way too London the engine management warning light came on. i tried to get it looked at whilst i was in London but i was told i would have to leave it with them for a week as they were too busy to look at it so i contacted fiat Exeter where i purchased the vehicle from. And limped home on reserve power and took the van in the next day, i was told the needed the van for 3 days as there was also 15 recalls on this model. The van is still at the dealership and i am driving around with a ford transit thrifty hire van. As fiat cannot get the parts needed to repair my van. It is now getting on to nearly 3 months. That is 3 months i have lost off the guarantee and the tax insurance i have been paying and 3 months of finance... has any one else had problems like these? The mileage is now at 18000.

Fiat Ducato 2.3 130 bhp 6 speed camper 2007

In Feb 07 we bought a new motorhome on the new fiat platform Apart from a faulty cab aircon switch this has proved to a fabulous machine. It drives and corners so well you tend to forget you are driving a 3.5t vehicle It pulls from low revs in almost any gear and it will easily exceed the motorway speed limits At 70mph speeds will return 25mpg at a more leisurely 60mph 30mpg. If there is a complaint it would be reverse gear which tends to be geared to high

Fiat Ducato 2.2 Multijet Diesel Engine 2007

We bought a Fiat Ducato/motorhome in May 2007. The engine has given us nothing but problems.The motorhome side of the vehicle is excellent with no problems. We had an oil leak so took it into the Fiat garage and they fixed it, we took it on our first intended two week holiday and had to return after two days with an oil leak, it went into the garage and it was fixed. We resumed our holiday and returned after three days another serious oil leak.The first two oil leaks were from the sump the next oil leak was from a seal behind the air filter?. We went off on holiday for a week and returned with an yellow light on the dashboard indicating ignition/injection problem. The garage said it was a clutch switch problem and tried to repair it but failed after two days, then the vehicle was recalled for FOUR recalls and the parts were fitted. We have not yet ventured out as the last part is being fitted at our house today, as not all the parts had been sent to the garage. Little faith in this engine.