My 51-plate Multipla had its 48,000 mile service two weeks ago. It has a full Fiat service history.

Yesterday, I heard a horrendous noise like gravel flying around in the engine bay. On inspection, the timing belt cover was nowhere to be seen and one third of the width of the belt had disintegrated and was slapping around making the noise.

My questions are:

1. Since the car is now 5 years old (as in the earlier of 72,000 miles or 5 years), should the Fiat garage have suggested a belt change at the last service?

2. Should the belt condition have been checked as a matter of routine in the service?

3. Do I have any recourse with Fiat customer services for the premature failure of the belt and/or the garage not recommending a belt change at the last service.

Any experience/thoughts welcome

i would have changed it at 40k, its not premature failure, its 5 years old its at the end of its life

Thanks Dave, but should the garage have changed it at the last service? This seems to be a serious oversight to me.

well car is 5 years old, so if you booked it in for a full service then they should have at least said it was best to imo