2003 Alfa Romeo 156 1.7L Petrol · DX53 GHU
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (1.7L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 120,585 miles. MOT valid until 13 Oct 2027.
- Make & Model
- ALFA ROMEO 156
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 120,585 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.7L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DX53 GHU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/10/2026
- 120,585 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 11 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DX53 GHU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (DX53 GHU) between September 2024 and October 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 October 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (13 issues), Brakes (11 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 35 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
DX53 GHU Mileage History
- 26/09/2024111,595 mi
- 15/10/2025116,927 mi+5,332 mi
- 15/10/2025116,927 mi
- 22/09/2026120,527 mi+3,600 mi
- 05/10/2026120,585 mi+58 mi
Average of roughly 4,442 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo 156
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: ALFA ROMEO 156
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Cam Variator Rattle and Cam Belt Wear(Serious)
The Twin Spark engines on the 156 use a cam variator to adjust valve timing. When worn, it produces a distinctive diesel-like rattle on startup that lasts a few seconds. Alfa originally specified a 72,000-mile cam belt interval but reduced this to 36,000 miles from November 2006. A failed cam belt causes catastrophic engine damage.
- V6 Water Pump Failure(Serious)
The 2.5 and 3.2 litre Busso V6 engines on the 156 use a water pump with a plastic impeller that can crack over time. This causes coolant loss, overheating and potential engine damage. Alfa Workshop recommends replacing the water pump at the same time as the cam belt, typically every 60,000 miles on V6 models.
- Air Flow Meter Failure(Moderate)
The 156's air flow meter (MAF sensor) can fail, causing poor engine performance, hesitation, rough idle and increased fuel consumption. A faulty MAF sends incorrect airflow data to the ECU, resulting in incorrect fuelling. Replacement sensors cost around £120 and are a common fault on higher-mileage examples.
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ALFA ROMEO 156 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Cam Variator Rattle and Cam Belt WearSerious
The Twin Spark engines on the 156 use a cam variator to adjust valve timing. When worn, it produces a distinctive diesel-like rattle on startup that lasts a few seconds. Alfa originally specified a 72,000-mile cam belt interval but reduced this to 36,000 miles from November 2006. A failed cam belt causes catastrophic engine damage.
- V6 Water Pump FailureSerious
The 2.5 and 3.2 litre Busso V6 engines on the 156 use a water pump with a plastic impeller that can crack over time. This causes coolant loss, overheating and potential engine damage. Alfa Workshop recommends replacing the water pump at the same time as the cam belt, typically every 60,000 miles on V6 models.
- Air Flow Meter FailureModerate
The 156's air flow meter (MAF sensor) can fail, causing poor engine performance, hesitation, rough idle and increased fuel consumption. A faulty MAF sends incorrect airflow data to the ECU, resulting in incorrect fuelling. Replacement sensors cost around £120 and are a common fault on higher-mileage examples.
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