Alfa Romeo 159 I (939) (2005 – 2012)

Reliability score : 7.2/10

The Alfa Romeo 159 (Type 939) succeeded the legendary 156 with the heavy task of moving upmarket. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it remains one of the most elegant sedans of its generation. Based on the 'Premium' platform developed jointly by Fiat and General Motors, it shines with its exceptional torsional rigidity and imperial road handling (double wishbone front suspension). However, this platform is extremely heavy, which penalizes performance, fuel consumption, and running gear wear on Phase 1 models (2005-2007). A major technical facelift (Series 2) occurred in 2008, bringing a weight reduction of about 45 kg (aluminum parts), an interior upgrade, and the introduction of the Q2 electronic differential. In 2009, new, much more modern and reliable engines (1.75 TBi in petrol, 2.0 JTDm

✅ Strengths

Timeless design by Giugiaro, aggressive and elegant lines
Exceptional road handling, incisive front axle (especially on the lightened post-2008 versions)
Very communicative and precise hydraulic steering
Finish quality significantly improved compared to the 156 (materials, assembly)
Very successful and reliable 2.0 JTDm and 1.75 TBi engines (if well maintained)
Excellent driving position and comfortable seats (especially in TI trim)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Excessive weight (especially Phase 1), penalizing agility, fuel consumption, and performance
Notoriously fragile M32 manual gearbox (GM) (bearings)
Premature wear of the front tires on the inner edge (factory geometry defect)
Very capricious anti-pollution systems (EGR, FAP, Swirl flaps) on the 1.9 16V and 2.4 diesels
Fragile power steering rack (frequent leaks)
Disappointing rear roominess and trunk volume for its size (4.66 m)

🎯 Verdict

The Alfa Romeo 159 is a car bought with the heart that requires a rational purchase. Flee from the 1.9 JTDm 16V and 2.4 JTDm diesel models with a vague history or whose intake flaps have not been neutralized. Also avoid pre-2008 models, which are too heavy and prone to teething problems. The ideal choice in diesel is the 2.0 JTDm (136 or 170 hp) from after 2009, provided the oil pump seal is monitored. In petrol, the 1.75 TBi is a gem. Expect a higher-than-average maintenance budget (tires, wishbones, M32 gearbox oil changes) to enjoy one of the best chassis of its decade.

Common issues

Clapets d'admission (Swirl Flaps) et collecteur d'admission High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 800 – 1 500 €

Vérifier l'état des clapets, envisager suppression préventive si moteur concerné.

Vanne EGR encrassée Medium

🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km

💶 100 – 500 €

Nettoyage régulier ou remplacement si les symptômes (perte de puissance) persistent.

Filtre à particules (FAP) obstrué Medium

🔧 100 000 – 200 000 km

💶 300 – 2 000 €

Privilégier longs trajets réguliers pour régénération, éviter la conduite urbaine exclusive.

Volant moteur bi-masse et embrayage Medium

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 900 – 1 800 €

Tester l'embrayage, écouter les bruits anormaux au ralenti et au démarrage.

Alternateur Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 400 – 800 €

Vérifier la tension de charge de la batterie lors des entretiens.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing belt	£550 – 1 100
Clutch	£850 – 1 500
Complete brakes	£250 – 500
Estimated annual budget	£600 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.