2018 FIAT GRAND SIENA

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: loud ticking or tapping from valve cover at idle, noise worsens when cold, occasional rough idle or slight misfire, check engine light for cam position correlation

Fix: Fire and E.torQ engines eat lifters due to oil quality issues and design. Full lifter set replacement requires cylinder head removal on these engines. 8-12 hours labor depending on which engine and technician experience with the platform.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust on startup, coolant loss with no external leaks, overheating or fluctuating temp gauge, milky oil or oil in coolant reservoir, rough running and misfires

Fix: The Fire Evo and E.torQ are notorious for head gasket weepage and full failure. Job requires head removal, resurfacing (warping is common), new bolts, and thorough coolant system flush. Often find corroded head surface. 10-14 hours labor, and head resurfacing adds $150-300 at machine shop.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: excessive engine movement during acceleration or shifting, clunking when engaging drive or reverse, vibration through shifter and floorboard, visible sagging of transmission housing

Fix: The rubber mounts on these automated manual and conventional manual transmissions deteriorate quickly in hot climates. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting powertrain. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: visible wobble of crank pulley at idle, serpentine belt shredding or jumping off, severe vibration throughout engine bay, squealing or grinding from front of engine, check engine light for crank position sensor

Fix: The bonded rubber in the harmonic balancer deteriorates and the outer ring separates or shifts. If it grenades, you risk crank snout damage and total engine failure. Replacement is 3-4 hours including accessory belt routing on these tight engine bays.

Estimated cost: $400-750

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid spots under vehicle, burnt transmission fluid smell, slipping or delayed shifts, transmission overheating warnings on models with temp sensor

Fix: The steel cooler lines corrode at fittings and the cooler itself can crack from road debris. On Dualogic (automated manual) cars, trans fluid loss leads to rapid clutch damage. Line replacement is 2-3 hours; if cooler also needs replacement add another hour.

Estimated cost: $350-700

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: severe valve train noise beyond typical lifter tick, loss of power and rough idle, metal shavings in oil, check engine light with multiple cylinder misfire codes

Fix: When lifter issues are ignored or poor oil is used, cam lobes wear flat on Fire Evo engines. Requires cylinder head removal, camshaft replacement, all new lifters, and often head resurfacing. 12-16 hours labor for full job. This is an engine-out-of-service repair.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,200