Front upper wishbones
usually 120,000–280,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Knocks, vague steering, uneven tyre wear
Fix: Replace wishbones (as a pair)
€250–600
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Alfa Romeo 159
2005–2011
4
engines covered
13
known faults
3,314
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
4
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Alfa Romeo 159 was built from 2005 to 2011.
For this generation we cover 4 engines and 13 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is M32 6-speed manual gearbox bearings (6-speed only): it usually appears at 100,000–220,000 km and costs €700–1,800 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 150–200 thousand km this model most often failed on: suspension (19.1 %), lights, wipers and visibility (17.7 %), brakes (16.4 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, exhaust, emissions and leaks. It fails less often than average on: lights, wipers and visibility.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 / 2.0 MultiJet II (JTDm / DDiS) | Diesel | Belt · 120,000 km | 5W-30 · Fiat 9.55535-S1 · ~4.2–4.9 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.9 JTD / MultiJet / CDTI / TiD (Fiat 1.9 8v / 16v) | Diesel | Belt · 120,000 km | 5W-40 / 10W-40 · Fiat 9.55535-N2 / GM-LL-B-025 · ~4.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.75 TBi | Petrol | Chain | — |
| 2.4 JTD / JTDm (5-cyl) | Diesel | Belt · 120,000 km | 5W-40 · Fiat 9.55535-N2 · ~6.2 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Electrics (window regulators, door locks)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Windows or locks fail
Fix: Replace parts
€100–300
M32 6-speed manual gearbox bearings (6-speed only)
usually 100,000–220,000 km · High risk
Signs: Whine or growl in 5th / 6th gear and off throttle, gear lever vibrates or jumps out of gear
Fix: Replace the bearings (and the output shaft if worn) and fill the gearbox to the corrected oil level
€700–1,800
Faults by engine
1.6 / 2.0 MultiJet II (JTDm / DDiS)
EGR / DPF
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Power loss, DPF light
Fix: Clean or replace
€300–1,500
Timing belt tensioner and water pump
usually 100,000–140,000 km · High risk
Signs: Noise from belt area
Fix: Replace with the belt kit
€400–800
1.9 JTD / MultiJet / CDTI / TiD (Fiat 1.9 8v / 16v)
Swirl flaps / intake manifold (16v)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Flaps can break and fall into the engine; engine light
Fix: Replace manifold or fit blanking kit
€250–700
EGR valve clogging
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Power loss, limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace EGR
€200–500
Turbo actuator / VGT sticking
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Overboost or underboost, limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace turbo actuator
€250–900
1.75 TBi
Timing chain stretch / variator
usually 100,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start, timing codes
Fix: Replace chain kit and variator
€900–1,800
2.4 JTD / JTDm (5-cyl)
Swirl flaps / intake manifold
usually 100,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Flap failure, engine light
Fix: Replace manifold
€400–900
EGR / DPF
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€300–1,500
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Dual-mass flywheel
usually 150,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
€700–1,400
Automatic (torque converter)
Torque converter / valve body
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
€300–2,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.6 / 2.0 MultiJet II (JTDm / DDiS) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 120,000 km or every 96 months | €450–900 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 3,314 tests.
| thousand km | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 11.2 % | 16.4 % | 19.1 % | 22.7 % |
| Suspension | 17.5 % | 19.1 % | 22.3 % | 27.4 % |
| Steering | 1.9 % | 4.3 % | 4.2 % | 2.8 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 7.8 % | 9.0 % | 9.5 % | 13.3 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 16.4 % | 17.7 % | 19.9 % | 17.3 % |
| Body and corrosion | 5.1 % | 7.4 % | 9.4 % | 10.3 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 6.4 % | 9.4 % | 11.2 % | 11.4 % |
Most common engine versions in the EU
New cars of this generation registered in the EU, Iceland and Norway 2010–2025: 10,884, of which 0 in Croatia. The share shows how common each version is.
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 JTD / MultiJet / CDTI / TiD (Fiat 1.9 8v / 16v)1.9 (1,910 cm³) · Diesel | 25.0 % | 2010–2011 | — | — |
| 1.6 / 2.0 MultiJet II (JTDm / DDiS)2.0 (1,956 cm³) · 100 kW (136 hp) · Diesel | 24.3 % | 2011–2011 | — | — |
| 1.6 / 2.0 MultiJet II (JTDm / DDiS)2.0 (1,956 cm³) · Diesel | 20.5 % | 2010–2011 | — | — |
| 1.6 / 2.0 MultiJet II (JTDm / DDiS)2.0 (1,956 cm³) · 125 kW (170 hp) · Diesel | 9.6 % | 2011–2011 | — | — |
| 1.75 TBi1.7 (1,742 cm³) · Petrol | 5.1 % | 2010–2011 | — | — |
| 1.75 TBi1.7 (1,742 cm³) · 147 kW (200 hp) · Petrol | 3.4 % | 2011–2011 | — | — |
| 2.4 JTD / JTDm (5-cyl)2.4 (2,387 cm³) · Diesel | 2.7 % | 2010–2011 | — | — |
| 1.8 Petrol1.8 (1,796 cm³) · Petrol | 2.4 % | 2010–2011 | — | — |
| PetrolPetrol | 2.1 % | 2010–2011 | — | — |
| 1.7 Diesel1.7 (1,742 cm³) · Diesel | 1.1 % | 2010–2010 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (4). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Reduction of braking assistance may occur13/04/2009 · R/2009/028
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Brakes may fail07/12/2007 · R/2007/174
- Engine / loss of power Possible loss of vehicle control27/07/2007 · R/2007/092
- Doors / locks / lids Roof bars may fail12/03/2007 · R/2007/026
Common questions
Does the Alfa Romeo 159 have a timing chain or a timing belt?
1.6 / 2.0 MultiJet II (JTDm / DDiS): belt · 120,000 km; 1.9 JTD / MultiJet / CDTI / TiD (Fiat 1.9 8v / 16v): belt · 120,000 km; 1.75 TBi: chain; 2.4 JTD / JTDm (5-cyl): belt · 120,000 km.
What are the known problems with the Alfa Romeo 159?
The faults with the highest risk: M32 6-speed manual gearbox bearings (6-speed only) (100,000–220,000 km, €700–1,800); timing chain stretch / variator (100,000–180,000 km, €900–1,800); swirl flaps / intake manifold (100,000–180,000 km, €400–900); timing belt tensioner and water pump (100,000–140,000 km, €400–800). The full list by engine is on this page.
What does the Alfa Romeo 159 most often fail its roadworthiness test on?
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 150–200 thousand km this model most often failed on: suspension (19.1 %), lights, wipers and visibility (17.7 %), brakes (16.4 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, exhaust, emissions and leaks. It fails less often than average on: lights, wipers and visibility.
What should you check when buying a used Alfa Romeo 159?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (4 have been published for this model). If the engine has a timing belt, ask for the invoice for its replacement: with no proof, assume it has not been done. On the test drive, watch for these signs: whine or growl in 5th / 6th gear and off throttle, gear lever vibrates or jumps out of gear; rattle on cold start, timing codes. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Alfa Romeo 147 2000–2010Alfa Romeo 156 1997–2007Alfa Romeo 166 1998–2007
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Fiat Grande Punto / Punto 2005–2018Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2010–2020Saab 9-3 2002–2012Suzuki SX4 2006–2014Fiat Stilo 2001–2007Fiat Bravo II 2007–2014Alfa Romeo Brera / Spider (939) 2005–2010Fiat Croma II 2005–2011
Other Alfa Romeo models
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026