IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1997 Alfa Romeo 145 & 146

In 1997, transverse 16V Twin Spark engines replaced the Boxer units, introducing 150PS Cloverleaf and Ti models, followed by a 1999 interior and bumper facelift.

What changed for 1997

  • •Transverse 16-valve modular Twin Spark engines introduced: 1.6 (120PS), 1.8 (144PS), and 2.0 (150PS)
  • •Performance flagship 145 Cloverleaf and 146 Ti launched with 150 PS and sports suspension
  • •1999 facelift brought body-coloured rounded bumpers, round dashboard air vents, and side airbags
  • •UK production concluded in 2001 upon the arrival of the European Car of the Year-winning 147

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !16V Twin Spark timing belt and balance belt snapping from overdue maintenance
  • !Rear trailing arm needle bearing collapse causing rear wheel inner arch rub
  • !Front lower wishbone ball joint play and deteriorated rubber gaiters
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

16V Twin Spark Timing Belt and Variator Failure

SeriousEngine

The 16V modular Twin Spark engines fitted from 1997 use a rubber timing belt and plastic-bodied tensioner pulley. Belt degradation or tensioner seizure causes the belt to jump teeth or snap, resulting in catastrophic valve-to-piston impact and bent valvetrain components. In addition, the hydraulic cam variator wears internally, generating a diesel-like rattle on startup. The UK specialist interval is strictly 36,000 miles or 3 years.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£650 (cambelt, tensioner, and variator service) / £1,200–£2,200 (cylinder head rebuild)
Warning Signs:

Diesel-like rattling noise from the top of the engine for 2–5 seconds on cold start, Service history exceeds 3 years or 36,000 miles since the last timing belt replacement, Sudden engine cut-out during driving followed by starter motor spinning freely with no compression

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect service documentation for invoices confirming timing belt, tensioner, and variator renewal
  • Listen carefully to engine startup from cold for variator clatter
  • Verify that balance shaft belts were replaced concurrently on 2.0 Cloverleaf and Ti models
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Floorpan, Sill, and Inner Arch Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The 145 and 146 were built prior to comprehensive modern zinc galvanising. Moisture trapped beneath factory underseal, behind plastic wheel arch liners, and within structural sill sections causes severe rusting. In the UK, road salt rots the floorpan seams, jacking points, and front bulkhead seams, resulting in structural MOT failures if neglected.

Est. Repair Cost: £450–£1,500 (cutting out rust and welding new steel panels)
Warning Signs:

Crumbling metal around the four designated jacking points, Surface rust bubbling along lower sill edges and rear wheel arch lips, Wet footwell carpets from rainwater ingress through rusted inner wing seams, MOT advisories or failure certificates for structural corrosion near suspension anchorages

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the entire underside of the car on a ramp, paying close attention to floorpan seams
  • Push firmly against inner sill sections and jacking points to detect soft or hollow metal
  • Lift the boot carpet to inspect the rear floorpan and spare wheel well for rust holes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Trailing Arm Bearing Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The rear suspension on the 145 and 146 utilizes trailing arms pivoting on needle roller bearings housed in the rear crossmember. Road dirt and water wash past degraded grease seals, causing the needle bearings to seize, wear, and collapse. This results in severe negative rear wheel camber, rear tyre scrubbing on inner arch liners, and loose, unstable handling.

Est. Repair Cost: £220–£450 (bearing repair kit or trailing arm overhaul)
Warning Signs:

Noticeable negative camber with the tops of rear wheels leaning heavily inwards, Creaking, groaning, or metallic clicking from the rear suspension over bumps, Uneven wear on the inside edges of both rear tyres, Rear of the vehicle feels unstable or unsettled when cornering on rough asphalt

What to Inspect:
  • Stand behind the car on level ground and check if rear wheels lean inwards at the top
  • Jack up the rear and grasp each tyre at 12 and 6 o'clock to check for play in the trailing arm pivot
  • Inspect inner rear wheel arch liners for scuff marks from tyre contact
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1997 Alfa Romeo 145 & 146

  • Confirm timing belt and variator replacement within 36,000 miles or 36 months
  • Listen for diesel-like clatter on cold startup indicating worn camshaft variator
  • Test second-gear synchromesh on rapid upshifts and downshifts on test drive
19961998–2001
Check a 1997 Alfa Romeo 145 & 146 by Registration