1995 Alfa Romeo 164

Introduction: The 1995 Alfa Romeo 164 is a mid-size luxury sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base model came with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produced 144 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter V6 engine that produced 164 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque was also available. The top-of-the-line model came with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 189 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 164 was praised for its handling and performance, but it was also criticized for its high maintenance costs and poor reliability.

Engine 2.0-liter Inline-4

• Blown Head Gasket: Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Timing Belt Failure: Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, or runs rough and stalls. Solution: Replace timing belt. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

2.5-liter V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold, overheating. Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Valve Stem Seal Failure: Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from the exhaust, especially at startup or acceleration. Solution: Replace valve stem seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

3.0-liter V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission 5-speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer Failure: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when shifting. Solution: Replace synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Clutch Failure: Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slippage: Description/Symptoms: Transmission does not engage properly, slipping gears. Solution: Rebuild transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Solenoid Failure: Description/Symptoms: Transmission does not shift properly, or shifts erratically. Solution: Replace solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure: Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Solution: Replace strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Ball Joint Failure: Description/Symptoms: Loose or wobbly steering, clunking noises from the suspension. Solution: Replace ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Battery does not charge, or vehicle dies while driving. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Starter Failure: Description/Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, or starter makes a grinding noise. Solution: Replace starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure: Description/Symptoms: Doors do not lock or unlock properly. Solution: Replace door lock actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Window Motor Failure: Description/Symptoms: Windows do not open or close properly. Solution: Replace window motors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Interior

• HVAC Control Failure: Description/Symptoms: Climate control system does not work properly, or blows hot or cold air intermittently. Solution: Replace HVAC control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Instrument Cluster Failure: Description/Symptoms: Gauges do not work properly, or display incorrect information. Solution: Replace instrument cluster. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary: The 1995 Alfa Romeo 164 has a number of potential issues, including head gasket failure, intake manifold gasket leaks, valve stem seal failure, and transmission slippage. These issues can be expensive to fix, and the 164 has a reputation for being unreliable. However, the 164 is also known for its handling and performance, and many owners are willing to overlook its reliability issues in order to enjoy its driving experience.