Fiat Ducato Radio Timeout

Earlier this year we bought a Swift motorhome and quickly ran into the Fiat Ducato 20 minute radio timeout problem.

Neither Swift nor Fiat showed any interest in fixing this, but Fiat/Stellantis said that we could replace the radio at our own expense if we weren't happy. Their complete indifference was extremely irritating, particularly as a "Campervan Mode" with 180 minute timeout was an option in the owner config settings on earlier models. No explanation or technical reason was given on why this was no longer available.

The CAMC Legal Advice Service response was that under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, particularly Section 10, the short timeout made the radio unfit for purpose in the context of use in a motorhome habitation unit and that we would be able to seek redress. (NB: They said that notice had to be given to the dealer within 6 months of purchase and we’re within this.) We've given the dealer notice of our intention to proceed.

Our preference is for Fiat to make a change to the timeout threshold available for all owners through their dealer network - maybe to 250 minutes - and standard on all new Ducatos being supplied for motorhome builds. However, if we have to look at getting the unit replaced then we intend to do this and expect the dealer to cover the all the costs involved.

I've written to CAMC, the CaCC, the NCC and motorhome magazines about this and logged the issue with Trading Standards. I'm also posting this in different forums to raise awareness of the position. It would be helpful if owners start to press this with dealers, manufacturers and Fiat with the aim of getting a config change made available. Fiat/Stellantis might find this an easier option than the prospect of thousands of radio units being replaced and the financial, environmental and reputational cost that would result.

Fiat say the 20 minute timeout is to protect the vehicle battery from draining, but as users simply can switch the unit back on when it switches off, this isn't actually achieved.

The condition of the battery displays in the vehicle information display and a rather better solution might be to disable accessories when the battery charge drops below a defined level and to warn the user. This would protect the battery for motorhome owners off-grid while enabling indefinite accessory use for those connected to mains power and/or with a solar panel providing battery charge when the engine isn't running.

A rather better way to protect the battery?