Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Alfa Romeo 159

The 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has an excellent reliability record with no widely reported common faults for this model year period.

Buying Tips for 2012 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.