It seems that I am the first recalled Punto to Ipswich's FIAT dealer with the very problem.  Apparantly if undetected it could cause the loss of steering, which is very allarming to say the least. Mine is being fixed tommorow pending arrival of the part.  Apparantly I may well have had this loose bolt from new - my car is a 56 reg.  Just wondering if anyone knows anything about responsibility or liability should an accident have happened due to this, prior to a recall being made?  It doesn't inspire confidence I'm afraid!

hi....was wondering why it has taken so long for ypou to be informed of this recall ,i have an 06 plate from new and had the knee pad protection i think it was fitted ..though the one you refer to unless there is a new one  i had done 15 may 07 ,fiat s letter informing me about it is dated 11 may 07...which was for  "lower steering column upper fixing " basically a machine at the factory wasn't flaring the end of the shaft  correctly....if the dealer has never heard of it  ..either no one in east anglia got notification ,which i doubt..or the dealer does not read ,the safety recall bulletins that fiat send out...also it should have been done at a service ,as the kerridge computer system so flag up any outstanding recalls...all manufacturers have recalls isn't just a fiat issue ..the V.O.S.A  website lists of safety recalls for all makes and models as they have to be informed  by the manufacturer

 

phil

Hi Phil, I have just rechecked the origional letter from FIAT - dated 22nd Dec 09 and the recall is " ....  on a number of Fiat Grande Punto vehicles there is a possibility that the upper steering shaft joint securing bolt may not have been correctly installed .... this may cause the joint to break with a consequent loss of steering control". 

I did mention if this should have been picked up at the services and I was clearly told that it wouldn't as the steering shaft etc .. is encased and therefore wouldn't have been accessed during routine servicing?  Are they wrong then?  Bit confused now!

Cheers, Col

hi col

thanks for getting back to me ..feed back is nice to get ..some where on here cadbury has given the VOSA  link to recalls so i will have to search it ..what concerns me most ,mainly as your letter is dated 22nd dec 09..why has it taken fiat  3years to recognise a fault !!!! and a serious one at that ..espically as there has already been a steering column  recall......

i  have to agree  with the dealer in that it would never be picked up on a service ..i'm in the trade  though i do trucks ,...i'm also confused i can't see them being wrong,but the length of time to find the fault is worrying ...hopefully marketing on here can clarify  the issue ,or as i once did phone them and ask....though what i will say is if you have a letter from fiat saying it needs done ,then it needs done  end of story ..off to check vosa now lol

phil

There are loads of recalls....

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/search.asp?whichpage=2&pagesize=10&resultString=(FIAT%20PUNTO)%20%20for%20the%20date%20range%2001/1/1992%20to%2001/12/2010&tx=

Thanks Cadbury

 I have had my 06 for a year, steering is now vibrating and erratic behaviour to the left, my vin number matches so will be contacting them in the morning.... 

125f8, from what you describe it sounds like your steering column is at fault, this has nothing to do with the steering shaft or any recall.

This a problem (Steering) that has effected thousands of us ! will Fiat start paying

i have the same problem too. but guess what? my 2006 reg punto was already recalled and the same problem happened again! do i have to pay to fix it or is fiat liable for this?
can anyone help please.

thanks.

if it is your power steering electric motor at fault ,nope fiat won;t pay ,as there has never been a recall on it .the recall was for the lower steering colum shaft ,it was a check to ensure the end had been manufactured properly