Alfa Romeo 159 I (939) (2005 – 2012)

Reliability score : 6.8/10

The Alfa Romeo 159 (Type 939) succeeded the 156 with a clear mission: to move upmarket and compete with the German premiums (Audi A4, BMW 3 Series). Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it remains today one of the most elegant sedans of its generation. Based on the 'Premium' platform developed jointly with General Motors, it gained in rigidity, safety, and finish, but took on considerable weight (up to +200 kg compared to the 156). This high weight penalizes performance, fuel consumption, and the wear of the running gear. The first-phase gasoline engines (JTS) are derived from GM blocks reworked by Alfa Romeo, often criticized for their lack of character and timing chain issues. The situation was beautifully corrected in 2009 with the introduction of the 1.750 TBi engine, 100% Alfa Romeo. Overa

Common issues

Usure prématurée de la chaîne de distribution (moteurs 1.9 JTS, 2.2 JTS, 3.2 JTS) High

🔧 80 000 – 120 000 km

💶 1 500 – 2 500 €

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et écouter tout bruit de cliquetis au démarrage.

Encrassement des soupapes d'admission et du collecteur (moteurs JTS à injection directe) Medium

🔧 60 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 800 €

Privilégier des trajets longs et envisager un décalaminage préventif régulier.

Fuites ou défaillance de la pompe/crémaillère de direction assistée Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 600 – 1 200 €

Vérifier le niveau du liquide de direction et rechercher des bruits ou points durs.

Défaillance des capteurs de position d'arbre à cames ou de vilebrequin Low

🔧 100 000 – 200 000 km

💶 150 – 350 €

Un voyant moteur peut indiquer ce problème, le diagnostic est généralement simple.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£1 300 – 2 200
Clutch	£800 – 1 500
Complete brakes	£250 – 500
Estimated annual budget	£700 – 1 400

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