2012 Alfa Romeo 159
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, formatted for your website. The Alfa Romeo 159 is known for its distinctive Italian styling and engaging driving dynamics. While it’s a desirable car, especially among enthusiasts, it’s not without its quirks. Common praises include its sharp handling, attractive design, and comfortable front seats. Criticisms often revolve around reliability concerns, higher maintenance costs compared to mainstream brands, and the complexity of some repair procedures. Available engines for the 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 in certain markets included various petrol and diesel options. Specifically, the 1.75 TBi petrol engine produced around 200 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included the 1.9 JTS (petrol), 2.2 JTS (petrol), 3.2 JTS V6 (petrol), 1.9 JTDm (diesel), 2.0 JTDm (diesel), and 2.4 JTDm (diesel). Transmission options generally included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic (depending on the engine).
Engine
1.75 TBi (Petrol)
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine hesitation, misfires, difficulty starting, or complete engine stall. Error codes related to fuel pressure regulation may be present.
- Solution: Replacement of the HPFP.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the turbo, reduced power, excessive oil consumption, or turbo failure.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
2.2 JTS (Petrol)
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, particularly on cold start. Potential for engine damage if the chain stretches or breaks.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Diesel Engines (1.9 JTDm, 2.0 JTDm, 2.4 JTDm)
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Problems
- Description/Symptoms: DPF warning light illumination, reduced engine performance, frequent regeneration cycles, and potential for DPF clogging.
- Solution: Forced DPF regeneration (if possible), DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (cleaning) - $1500+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, increased emissions, and EGR valve-related error codes.
- Solution: EGR valve cleaning or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
- Clutch Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty engaging gears, high clutch pedal effort, and clutch judder.
- Solution: Clutch kit replacement (including clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Automatic (Aisin)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed gear changes, slipping between gears, or complete transmission failure.
- Solution: Valve body repair or replacement. Sometimes a complete transmission rebuild or replacement is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 (repair) - $4000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Suspension Wishbone Bushings Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Knocking noises from the front suspension, imprecise steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the front suspension wishbone bushings or complete wishbone replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Suspension Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, excessive bouncing, and poor handling.
- Solution: Spring or shock absorber replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Sensor Failures (ABS, Wheel Speed, etc.)
- Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard (ABS, traction control, etc.), erratic system behavior, and diagnostic trouble codes.
- Solution: Sensor replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per sensor
- Recalls: None Found
- Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning lights, windows, or central locking.
- Solution: BCM reprogramming or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Corrosion, especially on door sills, wheel arches, and underbody.
- Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity.
- Door Handle Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Door handles breaking or malfunctioning, making it difficult to open doors.
- Solution: Door handle replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
- Solution: Dashboard repair or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating properly, making grinding noises, or getting stuck.
- Solution: Window regulator replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, while stylish and enjoyable to drive, presents owners with potential reliability issues that need to be considered. Engine problems, particularly with the 1.75 TBi (HPFP, turbo) and timing chain concerns on the 2.2 JTS, can be costly. Diesel models face common DPF and EGR problems. Transmission issues, especially valve body problems in the automatic, are another area of concern. Suspension wear, electrical glitches, rust, and interior imperfections add to the potential ownership expenses. Severity ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly. Prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with Alfa Romeo vehicles to assess the car’s condition and potential maintenance needs.