Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior: The paintwork is very delicate, but the body holds up well and does not rust quickly. However, corrosion can easily be found underneath, on the edges, and especially on the fifth door. The interior is made of cheap and creaky materials, and the soundproofing is practically non-existent. Electrical issues are quite common, mostly due to poor wiring or contacts.
Engine: Power units 11186, 21126, and 21127 have a high lifespan and are generally reliable. The main problems here are sensors, thermostat, and auxiliary equipment. And in case of a timing belt failure, the valves won't bend as non-interference pistons are used.
Transmission: Mechanical gearboxes 2180 and 2181 work noisily but are fairly reliable. The AMT 2182 robot often shifts gears randomly and is generally jerky. The Jatco JF414E automatic transmission is not suitable for aggressive driving, but it has a lifespan of up to 300,000 km.
Chassis: The suspension is the main advantage of this model - it is energy-consuming, durable, and inexpensive in terms of spare parts. The steering rack is very reliable, except that the power steering sometimes fails. The front disc brakes are good, but the rear drums don't last very long.
