2003 Alfa Romeo 156

Introduction

The 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is a compact executive car that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was praised for its handling and performance, but it also had some reliability issues. Engine options included a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 2.5-liter V6. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual, and a four-speed automatic.

Engine

• 1.6-liter four-cylinder
  • Cylinder head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating engine
    • Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 1.8-liter four-cylinder
  • Camshaft sensor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace camshaft sensor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.0-liter four-cylinder
  • No Issues Found
• 2.5-liter V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating engine
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual
  • Synchronizer failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
    • Solution: Replace synchronizer rings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Six-speed manual
  • No Issues Found
• Four-speed automatic
  • Transmission control module (TCM) failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission will not shift properly, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace TCM
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts, loss of ride quality
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking shock absorbers, loss of ride quality
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises coming from the dashboard
  • Solution: Tighten loose screws, replace worn bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is a fun-to-drive car with a number of engine and transmission options. However, it is also known for its reliability issues. The most common problems include cylinder head gasket failure, timing belt failure, and transmission control module failure. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the specific engine and transmission option. The cost to fix these issues can also be significant, ranging from $100 to over $1,200.