IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2005 Alfa Romeo 159

The 159 replaced the 156 in 2005 with a Giugiaro-designed saloon on the heavy GM/Fiat Premium platform. UK launch engines were 1.9 and 2.2 JTS petrols, a 3.2 V6 and 1.9/2.4 JTDm diesels, with a six-speed manual gearbox.

What changed for 2005

  • •1.9 JTS 160PS, 2.2 JTS 185PS, 3.2 V6 260PS, 1.9 JTDm 120/150PS and 2.4 JTDm 200PS
  • •Six-speed manual standard; Q4 all-wheel drive available on the 3.2 V6
  • •Saloon only at launch, in UK Turismo, Lusso and TI trims
  • •Seven airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2006

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front subframe corrosion, the 159's most serious structural MOT failure
  • !Corroded rear brake pipes and weak handbrake efficiency
  • !Worn front upper wishbones and uneven inner tyre wear
4
Known Issues
3
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Front Subframe Corrosion

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

The front subframes were poorly protected from the factory and are prone to severe rusting in the UK climate. Replacing one is expensive due to parts and labor.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£1,500
Warning Signs:

MOT failure for structural corrosion, Visible holes or heavy scaling on the subframe

What to Inspect:
  • Get a specialist or MOT tester to inspect the subframe on a ramp before purchase
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

M32 Gearbox Bearing Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The M32 6-speed gearbox used in 1.9 diesels and 2.2 petrols has weak bearings that fail over time, especially if the oil is not changed.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Whining in 5th/6th gear, Gear lever movement when lifting off throttle, Crunching into gears

What to Inspect:
  • Listen carefully at 50-70mph for a high-pitched whine
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Power Steering Rack Failure

SeriousSteering

Early cars used red steering fluid which damaged the rack seals. Many have been converted to green fluid, but the damage may already be done.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£900
Warning Signs:

Groaning on full lock, Heavy steering, Loss of fluid in the reservoir

What to Inspect:
  • Check fluid color in reservoir (should be green)
  • Look for leaks on the rack boots
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Stretched Timing Chain (JTS Engines)

ModerateEngine

The 1.9 and 2.2 JTS petrol engines can suffer from stretched timing chains, often caused by long oil change intervals.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£800
Warning Signs:

Check Engine Light (P0016 code), Rough running, Rattling on start-up

What to Inspect:
  • Ask when the chain was last replaced
  • Verify regular oil changes (every 10k miles max)
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2005 Alfa Romeo 159

  • Have the front subframe inspected on a ramp before you buy
  • Check the handbrake travel and that the rear brake pipes are not crusted
  • Verify timing chain condition on JTS petrols and cambelt history on the diesels
2006
Check a 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 by Registration