2008 Alfa Romeo 159

Introduction

The 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car that was produced from 2005 to 2011. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

• 1.9 JTDM diesel engine (118 hp, 150 hp, 170 hp)
• 2.4 JTDM diesel engine (200 hp)
• 2.2 petrol engine (185 hp)
• 3.2 V6 petrol engine (260 hp)

The 159 was praised for its stylish design, sporty handling, and comfortable interior. However, it was also criticized for its high price and some reliability issues.

Engine

1.9 JTDM diesel engine

• Engine Failure: Engine seizes due to failed connecting rod bearings. Symptoms include a knocking sound from the engine, decreased power, and engine warning lights. Solution: Replace the engine. Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
• Turbocharger Failure: Turbocharger fails due to a faulty wastegate actuator or worn bearings. Symptoms include a lack of power, increased exhaust smoke, and whistling noises from the engine. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• EGR Valve Failure: EGR valve becomes clogged or stuck, leading to decreased engine performance and increased emissions. Symptoms include poor acceleration, hesitation, and black smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

2.4 JTDM diesel engine

• Injector Failure: Fuel injectors fail due to a faulty solenoid or clogged nozzle. Symptoms include a rough idle, loss of power, and increased emissions. Solution: Replace the faulty injectors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200

2.2 petrol engine

• Cam Phaser Failure: Cam phaser fails due to a faulty solenoid or worn gears. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, rough idling, and decreased power. Solution: Replace the cam phaser. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
• Intake Valve Failure: Intake valves become clogged with carbon deposits, leading to decreased engine performance and increased emissions. Symptoms include poor acceleration, hesitation, and rough idling. Solution: Clean or replace the intake valves. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800

3.2 V6 petrol engine

• Timing Chain Failure: Timing chain stretches or breaks, leading to engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, decreased power, and engine warning lights. Solution: Replace the timing chain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
• Spark Plug Failure: Spark plugs fail due to excessive wear or a faulty ignition coil. Symptoms include a rough idle, loss of power, and increased emissions. Solution: Replace the spark plugs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300

Transmission

6-speed manual transmission

• Gearbox Failure: Gearbox gears grind or become difficult to shift. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a grinding noise from the transmission, and loss of power. Solution: Replace the gearbox. Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+

Q-Tronic automatic transmission

• Transmission Failure: Transmission loses gears or shifts erratically. Symptoms include a lack of power, delayed gear changes, and a shuddering sensation from the transmission. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Strut Failure: Struts become worn or damaged, leading to poor handling, a rough ride, and uneven tire wear. Symptoms include a knocking or clunking noise from the suspension, excessive body roll, and difficulty controlling the vehicle. Solution: Replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $900

Electrical

• Battery Drain: Battery drains prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start. Symptoms include a dead battery, dim headlights, and slow cranking. Solution: Inspect and replace the battery, or identify and repair the source of the electrical drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
• Alternator Failure: Alternator fails to charge the battery, leading to a loss of electrical power. Symptoms include a dead battery, dim headlights, and a warning light on the dashboard. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure: Door handles become loose or break due to a faulty mechanism. Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the doors. Solution: Replace the door handles. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Interior

• Steering Wheel Controls Failure: Steering wheel controls become unresponsive or intermittent. Symptoms include difficulty using the audio, cruise control, or other features from the steering wheel. Solution: Replace the steering wheel controls. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Summary

The 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is known for its sporty handling and comfortable interior. However, it has some reliability issues that can be expensive to fix. The most serious issues include engine failure, transmission failure, and cam phaser failure.