General Impending Steering Issue

[dank]

Test drove a 2006 (06) Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 Dynamic today and liked it so much, I've put a deposit down and am due to pay the remainder next weekend.

I did note that when I was taking the car round Milton Keynes and its notorious amount of roundabouts, that there was a faint vibration sound coming when the wheel was almost at full lock and at low speed.

I reported this to the dealer who said they would have a look at it before I return in a week's time.

However, looking on this forum, it looks as though this could be the start of an impending power steering issue? I was wondering if it's nothing to worry about, or should I contact the dealer in the meantime and advise that the steering vibration is of major concern and that I want them to thoroughly check it (oh, and check what precisely)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Matt Boulton]

hi
first of all great to see a new member
i had that issue with mine and when i took it back i had the whole steering rack changed
the dealership said this was a recall but for some reason didnt think steering was important enough to contact me over:bang:
either way best ask them about it just incase
hope this helps

 

[dank]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm currently putting together an Email to send to the dealer I visited today. They're an independent firm and have nought to do with Fiat, so wonder how much they'll be willing to help me out.

Shall be asking them to thoroughly check the steering column and ask if the car was recalled earlier this year with the other Puntos that had the steering issue.

Fingers-crossed they'll sort this out with minimal fuss!

 

[dank]

Just found details on the VOSA website, and sure enough, the VIN/Chassis/Frame no. of the vehicle comes under the recall.

At least I know now to ask them if this has been done or not and take it from there...

 

[Mozarella]

Good that you checked. The peril of buying from independents is a lack of 12 month parts/labour warranties on used cars. (I don't know what Fiat dealers do these days though)

Will they chuck in a 12 month Warranty Direct deal? As the car is four years old, I imagine all you'll get will be a three month warranty. However they are liable for the car being in 'reasonable' condition.

If they are independents, will they know if the recall has been done if it's not in the service history paperwork for the car?

 

[dank]

I received a response by Email this morning at 07:30am saying:

I understand your concern, I will check with Fiat Auto UK on Monday morning to see if the recall has been carried out. If it hasn't we will make sure it is before you collect the car.

Neither xxxx nor I are in today but rest assured we will contact you on Monday morning.

Appreciate their quick response and hope it is sorted out in good time.

 

[Mozarella]

Good-oh. They appear to care.

 

[lbhgaz]

I've just checked my vin number and my car falls between the recall vin numbers.

How do i find out if the recall has been done, is it a case of going to any FIAT dealer and asking?

 

[dank]

My VIN number fell between the numbers mentioned on the VOSA website, but...

The dealer I've placed a deposit with called me to say they had spoken to Fiat in Milton Keynes and they checked. Apparently a recall on the vehicle wasn't necessary to change the steering column earlier this year, but it had gone in to "fix a bit of plastic on the steering a few years ago".

I have also called Fiat customer relations and gave them details of the car. They're telling me that the car was recalled in December 2006 for a steering issue.

Terribly confused now. VOSA says it should have gone in, Fiat are saying something entirely different!!!

 

[dank]

Would appreciate some advice as I'm worried I'm about to buy a turkey of a car.

The dealer called me today to check I was still buying the vehicle. I asked him about the steering vibration issue I mentioned, and he said that they've had two people look over it and that they couldn't see what the problem is and that I "perhaps shouldn't have the wheel on full lock for long periods of time" - how I go around a roundabout, I don't know!

Called one Fiat dealer, said it sounds like something to do with the steering column?!?

 

[Mal126]

Would appreciate some advice as I'm worried I'm about to buy a turkey of a car.

The dealer called me today to check I was still buying the vehicle. I asked him about the steering vibration issue I mentioned, and he said that they've had two people look over it and that they couldn't see what the problem is and that I "perhaps shouldn't have the wheel on full lock for long periods of time" - how I go around a roundabout, I don't know!

Called one Fiat dealer, said it sounds like something to do with the steering column?!?

Do you know reg number / chassis number ?

 

[dank]

Do you know reg number / chassis number ?

I do indeed, it's 06 reg. Do you want me to give the full details of both numbers?

 

[Mal126]

I do indeed, it's 06 reg. Do you want me to give the full details of both numbers?

Be good if you could, can then check, pm if you dont want all to see

 

[dank]

Be good if you could, can then check, pm if you dont want all to see

Just sent you a PM with the details. Thanks.

 

[Mal126]

Just sent you a PM with the details. Thanks.

Responded !!

 

[dank]

Well looks like I'll be demanding my deposit back tomorrow when I waltz into the dealers then. Ho hum.