Fiat Abarth, Stilo Recall R/2005/043: Possible Loss Of Steering, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 11 Jul 2005
- Launched
- 3,030
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2005/043
- DVSA reference
Fiat recalled Abarth, Stilo vehicles built between 1 January 2002 and 1 December 2003. Excess play between steering rack and pinion leading to noise and possible loss of steering when parking. The dealer will replace adjust the steering pinion bearing preload or the steering rack assembly as necessary. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Excess play between steering rack and pinion leading to noise and possible loss of steering when parking.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING Defect: Excess play between steering rack and pinion leading to noise and possible loss of steering when parking. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the steering pinion bearing preload adjusted or the steering rack assembly will be replaced as necessary
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to noise and possible loss of steering when parking.
The Fix
The dealer will replace adjust the steering pinion bearing preload or the steering rack assembly as necessary.
Are You Affected?
Abarth, Stilo built between 1 January 2002 and 1 December 2003 may be included. Fiat estimates 3,030 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Fiat, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Fiat.
- Book with any franchised Fiat dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2005/043. See how to get a Fiat recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 124 Spider, AbarthFirst gear could be engaged whilst the vehicle is in motion and the shift lever in the d position | Low | R/2019/158 | |
| AbarthDoor panel may cause injury | Book soon | R/2013/027 | |
| Abarth, Punto, Punto GrandeFire may occur | Urgent | R/2011/023 | |
| 500, Abarth, PandaLoss of steering control | Urgent | R/2010/212 | |
| 500, Abarth, Punto, Punto GrandeThe wrong airbag may deploy in a collision | Urgent | R/2010/117 |
This is one of 199 Fiat recalls in DVSA’s data. The Fiat recall launched before it was R/2004/144 on 15 Nov 2004, for rear seat belt anchorage point not conforming. The one launched after it was R/2005/109 on 5 Oct 2005, for brake vacuum assistance may reduce. You can also see every Fiat recall, all recalls launched in 2005 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2005/043, launched 11 July 2005. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.