Hello all..............
First post, and sorry it's on a downer.
I have a 2010 (August 1st registered) Doblo van 67000 miles on the clock. Serviced at 19k, 32k & 62k.
Two weeks ago the timing belt snapped!!!!!
Fiat have said that they won't consider any goodwill offer as the mileage is too high and it was not previously serviced by Fiat main dealers.
The service book states that the timing belt is to be changed at 93000 miles, 4 years old if heavy continued idling, or 5 years in normal conditions.


Am I being a tad simple in thinking that if doesn't need changing for another 26000 miles and has been well looked after, I am within my rights to ask for some recompense from Fiat now that I have a £1200 bill for repairs.


Can anyone assist with getting a satisfactory outcome from Fiat UK or does anyone have a similar problem with the timing belt going way before the service guidelines.


As you can imagine, not a happy Fiat customer..........

Daveydog1828 said:

Can anyone assist with getting a satisfactory outcome from Fiat UK or does anyone have a similar problem with the timing belt going way before the service guidelines.

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I'm afraid that's something you yourself has to achieve, yes we can try and help but this isn't a anti-Fiat site. Many members are/were or know members of Fiat so we like to create a happy medium.

My timing belt went on my focus at 42k/4 years yet the belt (according to manual) change interval is 10 yrs/100k. I got nowhere & wont buy another ford as a result.

Your only chance of some kind of contribution is Customer Services and don't forget it's a contribution. If it was under warranty and serviced at non-dealer then fine it would be sorted but it is not under warranty and Fiat are under no obligation to contribute however they do look favourably on dealer serviced vehicles which yours is not.

allenpa4 said:

The sale of goods act says the things we buy should be "fit for purpose" and "last a reasonable length of time". It seems your cam belt may fail on one or other count, or even both.

I thought there was an EU directive which said we didn't have to have our vehicles serviced by the main dealer, just have them serviced at a reputable garage in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. If that's what you've done (the 30k gap between your last 2 services seems a lot to me, but I know if the car tells you when it wants servicing it can go that far) then in my opinion you ought to have a case.

I'd suggest a google around to get the specific details of the law and servicing requirements and then write them a letter pointing out what you've found and asking them to put things right or reimburse you the cost of doing so. If you have legal cover on your insurance that might be useful too.

Hope this helps.

Phil

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all good sound advice .. ( I'm cautious of the 30K between services also )

a call to FIAT UK's customer relations.. asking if the service schedule for this engine has been amended would be a good start..

like the FIAT-alfa 72K change becoming a 36K change..!!:bang: a few years ago on the petrols.

Good luck,
do let us know how it goes..,

charlie