IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Alfa Romeo 159

The 2009 model year brought the 1.75 TBi turbo petrol and a 170PS 2.0 JTDm, giving the 159 its best petrol engine and a cleaner diesel. These late cars are the most desirable, but corrosion now matters more than specification.

What changed for 2009

  • •1.75 TBi 200PS turbo petrol added above the existing JTS petrol units
  • •2.0 JTDm 170PS added, with a 136PS version following in 2010
  • •Six-speed manual or Q-Tronic automatic; Q4 AWD on the 3.2 V6 and 2.4 JTDm
  • •Final UK orders taken until July 2011, when the 159 was withdrawn

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front subframe rot and corroded suspension mountings
  • !Timing chain rattle and emissions faults on the JTS and TBi engines
  • !Steering rack leaks and groaning from the power steering system
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 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

  • The 1.75 TBi is the pick, but insist on 9,000-mile oil changes
  • Check the power steering fluid is green, not red
  • Walk away from any car with heavy subframe scaling, regardless of mileage
20082010–2011
Check a 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 by Registration