Alfa Romeo 159 is a popular mid-sized sedan that has been a part of Alfa Romeo’s vehicle line-up for several years. It has great styling and performance, however, it is not without its issues. Many owners of the Alfa Romeo 159 have experienced a variety of problems with their vehicles.
The most common problems reported involve the engine, suspension, electrical system and brakes. The engine issues reported include stalling, lack of power and trouble starting. Owners have experienced slow acceleration and stalling at red lights. The suspension issues reported include clunking and banging sounds, especially while driving in reverse. Another issue frequently reported is with the electrical system, such as with the headlights and wipers. The headlights tend to dim while driving and the wipers frequently stop working. The brakes are also a source of complaints, with braking distance being longer than expected and aerodynamic drag due to warped rotors.
Given all the reported issues, Alfa Romeo has recalled certain models of the 159. In some affected vehicles, the battery control module or the power steering pressure hose may have been incorrectly installed, leading to power steering failure. If the power steering fails in these affected models, it may lead to an increased risk of an accident.
In addition to the recalls, Alfa Romeo has made some design changes in order to address some of the problems with the 159. To ensure that the electrical system works properly, Alfa Romeo has increased the quality of the electrical components used in the 159. The company has also increased the braking efficiency with the use of new, reinforced brake rotors.
Alfa Romeo 159 is a great car that has a lot to offer. But like any vehicle, it has experienced its fair share of problems. Fortunately, Alfa Romeo has been quick to address these issues with recalls and design changes. Owners of the Alfa Romeo 159 should make sure to keep an eye out for recalls and take advantage of any opportunities to upgrade their vehicles.
Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) – Reliability – problems and issues
The Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) has generally been considered a reliable car. However, numerous owners of the car have reported some persistent problems that can reduce the car’s performance and longevity.
Engine: Many owners have reported stalling, power loss, and difficult starting. This is likely due to an issue with the fuel delivery system. The engine may also experience slow acceleration , which could be caused by a faulty O2 sensor or spark plugs.
Suspension: The suspension of the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) is known for producing clunking and banging noises while driving in reverse. This issue is likely due to worn suspension bushings or ball joints.
Electrical System: Headlights may dim while driving and wipers may stop working. This is likely due to an issue with the electrical components, such as corroded wiring or a faulty fuse.
Brakes: The brakes are another source of concern for Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) owners. Some have reported long braking distances and aerodynamic drag due to warped rotors. This issue could be caused by incorrect brake pad installation or worn pads.
M32 gearbox bearings
The M32 gearbox used in the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) is susceptible to bearing failure, which can cause a number of problems. The bearings are located inside the gearbox and support the rotating components. If they become worn or damaged, they can cause excessive noise, vibration, and premature wear of other internal components. In some cases, they may even lead to complete gearbox failure.
To prevent bearing failure, it is important to maintain the gearbox by regularly changing the oil and checking for signs of wear. If you do experience any issues with your gearbox, it is best to have it inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible in order to identify and address any problems.
Selespeed transmission failure
The Selespeed transmission was used in the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) and is known to be susceptible to failure. The most common cause of failure is due to a hydraulic leak, which can lead to the transmission losing pressure and not shifting properly. This can lead to jerky acceleration, difficulty shifting gears, or the car becoming stuck in one gear. Other issues may include
Power steering issues
Power steering issues are a common problem experienced by Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) owners. Symptoms of power steering failure include difficulty turning the wheel, delayed response from the system, and an overall feeling of “heaviness” in the steering wheel. This issue is usually caused by a leak in the power steering fluid system or a worn/damaged power steering belt. If these issues are not addressed, it could lead to expensive repairs down the line.
Red paint & stone chips issues
The Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) is known for its beautiful red paint job, but unfortunately, this aesthetic can be damaged by stone chips and other debris. The thin layer of paint that covers the car is easily affected by small stones and gravel kicked up from the road. When this happens, it leaves unsightly marks on the car’s paintwork and can cause rust to form if not addressed quickly. To avoid this issue, it is important to regularly wax the car and inspect it for any damage caused by stones and other debris.
1.9 JTS & 2.2 JTS problems – timing chain wear
The 1.9 JTS and 2.2 JTS engines used in the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) are known for having timing chain wear issues. Over time, the chain will stretch and become loose due to normal wear and tear. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine, power loss, and poor performance. In extreme cases, it can also cause costly engine damage. To prevent this issue, it is important to have the timing chain checked regularly and replaced if needed.
3.2 JTS problems – timing chain stretch
The 3.2 JTS engine used in the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) is also known to have timing chain stretch issues. Over time, the chain will stretch and become loose due to normal wear and tear. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine, power loss, and poor performance. As with other engines of this type, if not addressed quickly, it can cause costly engine damage. To prevent this issue, it is important to have the timing chain checked regularly and replaced if needed.
1.9 JTDm 16v & 2.4 JTDm 20v problems – timing belt & water pump
The 1.9 JTDm 16v and 2.4 JTDm 20v engines used in the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) are known to have issues with the timing belt and water pump. Over time, the timing belt can stretch and wear out, causing it to slip or break, leading to engine damage. In addition, the water pump can also fail due to a lack of maintenance, leading to overheating and potentially damaging the engine. To avoid this, it is important to check the timing belt and water pump regularly and replace them when needed.
1.9 JTDm 16v & 2.4 JTDm 20v problems – swirl flaps
The 1.9 JTDm 16v and 2.4 JTDm 20v engines used in the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) are also known to have issues with their swirl flaps. Swirl flaps are designed to control the flow of air into the engine, which helps to boost performance and fuel economy. Unfortunately, these flaps can become clogged or stuck due to dirt and debris, leading to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption. To prevent this issue, it is important to have the swirl flaps inspected and cleaned regularly.
2.4 JTDm problems – worn drive shafts
The 2.4 JTDm engines used in the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) are also known to have issues with worn drive shafts. Over time, the drive shafts can become worn down due to normal wear and tear, causing them to become loose or misaligned. This can lead to poor handling, grinding noises while driving, and vibrations in the steering wheel.
Summary or problems & additional information
Summary of Problems:
The Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011) is prone to a variety of issues, including stone chips and paint damage, timing chain wear on the 1.9 JTS and 2.2 JTS engines, timing chain stretch on the 3.2 JTS engine, water pump and timing belt failure on the 1.9 JTDm 16v and 2.4 JTDm 20v engines, and worn drive shafts on the 2.4 JTDm engine.
Other questions related to problems and issues
Does the alfa romeo 159 diesel problems have problems?
The Alfa Romeo 159 diesel engines (2005-2011) have been known to have some issues, such as timing chain stretching, water pump and timing belt failure, and worn drive shafts. However, these problems are typically caused by lack of regular maintenance or general wear and tear over time. Regular servicing and inspections can help to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Does the 2007 alfa romeo 159 have more problems than other years?
The 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is generally known to have fewer issues than other model years. However, it can still suffer from the same common problems as other years, such as timing chain stretch, water pump and timing belt failure, and worn drive shafts. The 2007 model does appear to be slightly more reliable than earlier models, however, it is important to keep up with regular servicing and maintenance