Abstract: The fixed center approximation to the Faddeev equations has been used lately with success in the study of bound systems of three hadrons. It is also important to set the limits of the approach in those problems to prevent proliferation of inaccurate predictions. In this paper, we study the case of the phi(2170), which has been described by means of Faddeev equations as a resonant state of phi and K (K) over bar, and show the problems derived from the use of the fixed center approximation in its study. At the same time, we also expose the limitations of an alternative approach recently proposed.