2003 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0L Petrol · WR53 RKY
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 30 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 58,993 miles. MOT expired on 27 Mar 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- ALFA ROMEO 156
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Bristol
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Mar 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 58,993 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
WR53 RKY Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT failed on 01/07/2024
- 58,993 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WR53 RKY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (WR53 RKY) between March 2022 and July 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 01 July 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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 Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))”.
WR53 RKY Mileage History
- 28/03/202250,409 mi
- 23/03/202354,715 mi+4,306 mi
- 01/07/202458,993 mi+4,278 mi
Average of roughly 3,795 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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: Poor
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
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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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