Check a vehicle

Reliability Guide

Common Alpine Problems

Select a model below to discover known faults, common MOT failures, estimated repair costs, and buying tips.

Select a Alpine Model

Alpine A110 (Modern)

The modern Alpine A110 is a masterpiece of lightweight engineering, offering a refreshing return to pure, unfiltered driving engagement in a market dominated by heavy, complex sports cars. It utilises a 1.8L turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed Getrag DCT, delivering exceptional chassis balance that rivals much more expensive machinery like the Porsche Cayman. For UK owners, the A110 provides an incredible blend of B-road agility and surprising daily usability, though the tiny boot and poor rearward visibility can be challenging in crowded urban environments. Reliability is generally good for a specialist vehicle, but early models had known electrical and fuel pump gremlins. It is the perfect choice for dedicated driving enthusiasts who prioritise handling purity over outright horsepower and badge prestige.

2017–20254 issues2 serious

About Alpine Reliability

Alpine, resurrected by Renault in 2017, is a French sports car brand with a storied motorsport heritage dating back to the 1960s. The modern A110 is built at the historic Dieppe factory in Normandy and represents the brand's sole offering—a lightweight, mid-engined sports car that has won widespread critical acclaim for its handling purity and everyday usability. In the UK market, Alpine occupies a niche position as a credible alternative to the Porsche Cayman and Alfa Romeo 4C. The A110 has earned a reputation for genuine driving engagement at a price point undercutting many rivals, and the brand has built a loyal following among enthusiasts who value chassis balance over outright power. Reliability is generally considered good for a specialist sports car, though the PEB electronic unit and specific software gremlins have been well documented. UK-specific considerations include a relatively small dealer network (around 15 approved service points), which means owners may need to travel for specialist attention. Parts availability is generally good through the Renault group supply chain, though the A110's unique components—particularly the PEB and aluminium body panels—can only be sourced through Alpine's own network. Insurance groups are high (47–50E) given the performance and specialist nature of the car. Depreciation has been moderate compared to rivals; the A110 holds its value reasonably well, particularly the S and GT variants, though the market for used examples is still relatively thin. The car is best suited to enthusiasts who want a focused driving tool and are comfortable with specialist maintenance. It is less suited to those needing daily practicality—the boot is tiny and visibility is poor—and buyers should budget for higher-than-average insurance and servicing costs.

Common Alpine trouble spots

•PEB (Power Electronic Box) Failure: A critical electronic failure that can result in a "stop" warning and vehicle immobilisation. Most common on 2018–2020 cars.
•Infotainment Glitches: Frequent screen freezing and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity issues on earlier models; largely addressed by firmware updates.
•Brake Squeal: A common characteristic of the Brembo braking system, often requiring specialist bedding-in or anti-squeal shims.
•Fuel Pump Issues: Early cars were subject to a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump, which could cause stalling or limp mode.
•Aluminium Panel Corrosion: Rare but reported—galvanic corrosion can develop at panel joins in coastal or heavily salted environments.
•12V Battery Drain: The car's electronics can flatten the auxiliary battery if left unused for more than a week or two.

What to check on used Alpines

✓Confirm if the Power Electronic Box (PEB) has been replaced or is the updated version; failures are a known "stranding" issue that can immobilise the car.
✓Check the infotainment system for responsiveness; early software versions are prone to freezing and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto dropouts.
✓Listen for excessive brake squeal; while common for Brembo brakes, it can be mitigated with specific pads or copper grease.
✓Inspect the windscreen for chips or cracks; the lightweight glass is known to be somewhat fragile and replacements are costly.
✓Verify that all recalls, particularly the high-pressure fuel pump, have been completed via the dealer service history.
✓Check the aluminium bodywork for any signs of galvanic corrosion around panel joins, particularly on cars exposed to coastal air or road salt.
✓Ensure the air conditioning condenser is intact; the low front intake makes it vulnerable to stone damage on UK roads.
✓Ask whether the car has been stored over winter; long periods of inactivity can cause 12V battery drain and brake disc corrosion.

Browse Alpine in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for all Alpine models.

View Alpine Directory

Checking a specific Alpine?

Enter the registration number to get a full history check including MOT records, tax status, and outstanding finance.