I recently purchased a 2012 1.2 lounge 2 months ago and I’m having some issues with the door handles.

The passenger side front and rear, as well as the driver’s side rear door handles rub on the actual door when you lift the handle, and have taken the paint off the door and the coloured handle (sunset red).

In particular the passenger side front handle I can feel grating against the door when I lift it.

I've been back to fiat to make them aware, they then sent me to their body shop department that said it was polish in-between the handle and door despite the fact you can physically see the paint has been stripped and the handles rubbing. I was not impressed.

Not sure where to go with this, it looks like the handles have not been fitted correctly and been rubbing for a while, and in some places it’s down to bare metal. Is it worth contacting Fiat HQ directly?

I would attempt to re-position the handles myself, and touch up the damage but I’m worried about disturbing the waterproof membrane.

I’m not overly satisfied with the build quality of the new panda, as the dash is still making various rattles despite having been back to fiat.

Many Thanks, Adam.

Hi Adam,

Definitely worth contacting Fiat HQ IMO; if the paint is stripping off and you can hear it physically grinding then something clearly isn't OK.

I would also try and get some good quality images and send them as well either by email or post.

Let us know how you get on, hopefully you will be able to get it sorted.