IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2000 Alfa Romeo 145 & 146

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2000 Alfa Romeo 145 & 146. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

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 2000 Alfa Romeo 145 & 146

  • On 16V Twin Spark engines, demand proof that the cambelt, tensioner, balance belt, and variator were replaced within 3 years or 36,000 miles.
  • Inspect the floorpans, sills, inner front wings, and boot floor seams on a ramp for structural corrosion caused by UK road salt.
  • Check the rear suspension trailing arms for worn needle roller bearings, which cause rear wheels to lean inwards with heavy negative camber.
  • Test all electrical components, including electric front windows, central locking, rear window wiper, and heater blower motor speeds.
  • On 2.0 Cloverleaf (145) and Ti (146) models, check second and third gear synchromesh engagement on brisk gear shifts during the test drive.
Check a 2000 Alfa Romeo 145 & 146 by Registration