IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2006 Alfa Romeo 159

The Sportwagon estate joined the 159 range in 2006, along with a Q-Tronic automatic option for the 2.4 JTDm. The estate is rare in the UK but adds real load space without losing the saloon's stance.

What changed for 2006

  • •159 Sportwagon five-door estate launched at the Geneva show
  • •Q-Tronic six-speed automatic offered on the 2.4 JTDm, later widened to the 1.9 diesel and 3.2 V6
  • •2.4 JTDm output raised to 210PS in 2007 with a reintroduced TI trim
  • •Q4 four-wheel drive added to the diesel range in 2007

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Sportwagon tailgate struts, wiring and rear wash-wipe faults
  • !Rear subframe and suspension corrosion from water ingress into the load area
  • !Handbrake and rear brake pipe corrosion on estates used for family duty
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
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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
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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
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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)
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Buying Tips for 2006 Alfa Romeo 159

  • Open and close the tailgate and check for water in the spare-wheel well
  • On automatics, check the Q-Tronic shifts cleanly from cold
  • Inspect the rear suspension and subframe for salt-related corrosion
20052007
Check a 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 by Registration