Fiat Panda Common Problems and Solutions
Rough Driving
Problem:
Your journeys are becoming quite rough.
Solution:
You may have lost your rear suspension bump stops, as these tend to fall off even on new Pandas. If you don't replace them, your car will likely fail its next MOT, so order from our store and fit them.
Difficulty level
Squealing Noise Coming From Front of Car
Problem:
You can hear a squealing noise coming from the front of the car, and the check engine light is on.
Solution:
This issue is caused by a loose timing chain. You should check your timing belt tension every 36,000 miles, and if it's loose, you'll need to order a replacement from BreakerYard and fit the new one.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Steam from Engine
Problem:
Steam is rising from your engine after short drives. You might also hear a whining noise from the front of the car.
Solution:
Your coolant pump is faulty, which can often happen on the Panda. We always keep replacement coolant pumps in stock and can deliver a new one to you quickly. They are much easier to install than you might think. If you ignore this, you risk a head gasket failure.
Difficulty level
Front Wiper Fault
Problem:
The front wiper is no longer functioning properly. There may be visible corrosion signs.
Solution:
The front wiper arm on the Panda is renowned for its flawed design and tends to corrode quickly. You can easily find a replacement on our parts list and install the new one yourself.
Difficulty level
Wiper Arm
Problem changing gears
Problem:
This vehicle is known for problems with gear changes caused by the gear selectors.
Solution:
You will need to have a specialist examine the vehicle and resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Poor engine running
Problem:
If the engine on your Panda is running very poorly and jumping like a kangaroo, it is caused by a fault with the ECU. This is a common issue in these cars.
Solution:
You will need to update the software on the ECU to fix the issue.
Difficulty level
Power steering loss
Problem:
If the power steering on your Panda feels quite heavy, especially during low-speed manoeuvres, this could be due to the electric power steering motor. The power steering on this vehicle is entirely electric.
Solution:
Since the power steering is fully electric, the motor can be quite costly to replace. If the car is under warranty, Fiat should cover the repair costs; otherwise, you will need to pay for the repair.
Difficulty level
Boot not opening/hard to open
Problem:
If you find that the boot on the vehicle is difficult to open or sometimes won't open at all, the usual cause is a faulty release micro switch.
Solution:
If the vehicle is under warranty, Fiat should repair the problem free of charge; otherwise, you will need to pay to replace the release micro switch.
Difficulty level
Condensated lights
Problem:
It is common for the inside of the lens on the lights to become condensated on the Panda. This can occur on both headlights and indicators.
Solution:
Since the lights are a single complete unit, you would need to replace the entire unit even if only one bulb is affected. Instead of replacing the whole unit, you can either accept the issue or drill small holes at the bottom of the lens to drain the water.
Difficulty level
Knocking Sound When Steering
Problem:
You can hear a knocking noise when you steer the car.
Solution:
If your Panda was manufactured between April and July 2009, there is a possibility that the upper fork on the steering shaft was not installed correctly. You can verify this by checking the shaft for the two 'stake' markings. If these are present, you will need to replace the entire steering shaft fork with one from our parts list for the Panda.
Difficulty level
Clutch Judder
Problem:
The clutch judders as you change between gears.
Solution:
Your gear linkage has likely become worn or damaged. You can order a replacement from us if the damage is too severe, but in some cases, you may be able to repair the worn linkages.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Steering Column Height Adjustment
Problem:
The steering column moves either up or down.
Solution:
This caused a recall of Pandas, making it a common issue for those manufactured between 2016 and 2018. If your Panda is still under warranty, Fiat should replace the steering column mechanism for you. If the car is not under warranty, you will need to visit our parts page to find the mechanism and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Steering Column Adjustable
Excessive Noise and Vibration
Problem:
You can hear a loud noise and feel heavy vibrations coming from the front of the car.
Solution:
Many Pandas built in 2018 were not fitted with an engine suspension reaction bracket. Ignoring this issue could lead to oil leaks and a disengaged drive shaft. Check for the engine suspension bracket, and if it's missing, order one from our store and install it.
Difficulty level