IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2008 Alfa Romeo 159

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2008 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.

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 2008 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.
Check a 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 by Registration