IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2005–2011 Alfa Romeo 159

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2005–2011 Alfa Romeo 159. 3 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

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.

Estimated cost: £800–£1,500Affects: 2005–2011Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Get a specialist or MOT tester to inspect the subframe on a ramp before purchase

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.

Most affected: 1.9 JTDm, 2.2 JTS

Estimated cost: £600–£1,200Affects: 2005–2011

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen carefully at 50-70mph for a high-pitched whine

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.

Estimated cost: £500–£900Affects: 2005–2011Often appears around: 50,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check fluid color in reservoir (should be green)
  • ✓Look for leaks on the rack boots

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.

Estimated cost: £500–£800Affects: 2005–2011

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask when the chain was last replaced
  • ✓Verify regular oil changes (every 10k miles max)

Buying Tips for the 2005 Alfa Romeo 159

  • ✓Inspect the front subframe extremely carefully for rust; it can rot from the inside out and is a common MOT failure.
  • ✓On 1.9 JTDm and 2.2 JTS models, listen for gearbox whine (M32 unit) in 5th and 6th gear.
  • ✓Check the power steering fluid color; it should be green. Red fluid can cause steering rack seal failure.
  • ✓Look for uneven front tyre wear; these cars are notorious for "eating" the inner edges if alignment isn’t perfect.
  • ✓The 1.75 TBi is the most desirable engine but requires strict 9,000-mile oil changes to protect the turbo.

Browse 2005–2011 Alfa Romeo 159 in our Directory

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Other Alfa Romeo 159 Year Periods

2005–2011

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