2007 Alfa Romeo 159
The 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is a stylish and sporty compact executive car appreciated for its Italian design and engaging driving dynamics. Engine options for the 2007 model year included a range of petrol and diesel engines. A popular choice was the 2.2 JTS petrol engine, producing around 185 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 1.8L petrol, 1.9L petrol, 3.2L petrol, 1.9L diesel, 2.0L diesel and 2.4L diesel. Transmission options generally consisted of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic (Q-Tronic). Owners often praise the 159 for its distinctive looks and handling, while common criticisms include reliability concerns and relatively high running costs.
Engine
2.2 JTS Petrol
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, particularly when cold. Potential for engine damage if the chain stretches or breaks. Can cause the engine to run poorly and misfire.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides. Upgrading to a later-revision chain kit is recommended.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Swirl Flap Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, poor fuel economy, engine management light illumination (CEL). Flaps may break and cause engine damage.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold with an updated design. Some owners opt to remove the swirl flaps and blank off the ports.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
1.9 JTDm Diesel
- Swirl Flap Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.2 JTS – reduced power, poor fuel economy, CEL.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold or remove/blank off the swirl flaps.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough idling, poor acceleration, excessive smoke, CEL. The EGR valve can become clogged with carbon deposits.
- Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noises, loss of power, excessive smoke (often blue), oil consumption.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Ensure the oil feed pipe is clean and free of blockages.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
2.4 JTDm Diesel
- Swirl Flap Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 1.9 JTDm – reduced power, poor fuel economy, CEL.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold or remove/blank off the swirl flaps.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough idling, poor acceleration, excessive smoke, CEL. The EGR valve can become clogged with carbon deposits.
- Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noises, loss of power, excessive smoke (often blue), oil consumption.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Ensure the oil feed pipe is clean and free of blockages.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced performance, DPF warning light, frequent regenerations, potentially leading to complete blockage.
- Solution: Forced regeneration, cleaning, or replacement of the DPF.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
- M32 Gearbox Bearing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the gearbox, particularly in 5th and 6th gear. Can lead to gearbox failure. A very common issue.
- Solution: Rebuild the gearbox with upgraded bearings. Using higher quality oil helps.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Automatic (Q-Tronic)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping, failure to shift, transmission warning lights.
- Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. Flush and replace transmission fluid regularly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Upper Wishbone Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Knocking or creaking noises from the front suspension, poor handling, uneven tire wear. Bushings wear out quickly.
- Solution: Replace the front upper wishbones. Upgraded bushings are available.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (per side)
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Suspension Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to front suspension issues, knocking noises, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn bushings or complete suspension arms.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per side)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working correctly, warning lights illuminated intermittently, complete failure of the cluster.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window not operating, clicking noises from the door.
- Solution: Replace the window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ (per window)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Battery going flat quickly, particularly when the car is left for a few days. Often caused by a parasitic draw.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain. Common culprits include the alarm system and infotainment system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (Diagnostic fees can vary)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust in the wheel wells, around the door handles, and in the lower sills. This is more prevelant in colder environments where the vehicles are exposed to salt.
- Solution: Remove rust and repaint the panels.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing in the dashboard, particularly in hotter climates.
- Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Failure (Interior)
- Description/Symptoms: The plastic mechanism inside the door handle breaks, preventing the door from opening from the inside.
- Solution: Replace the door handle assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Alfa Romeo 159, while praised for its style and driving experience, is prone to several common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The most significant concerns revolve around engine timing chain problems (particularly in the 2.2 JTS), swirl flap failures in both petrol and diesel engines, and bearing failures in the M32 manual gearbox. Electrical gremlins and suspension wear are also common. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor electrical issues to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission overhauls. Overall, while the 159 offers a unique and attractive package, buyers should factor in the potential for higher-than-average maintenance costs.