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Emergency
KNOWN FAULT · Alfa Romeo

Timing chain on the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 (159, Brera and Spider)

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

Engine / equipment
2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 JTS petrol (GM-based): Alfa Romeo 159, Brera and Spider
Period mentioned
2005–2011
Symptoms
Chain rattle on a cold start; the chain stretches and in some cases breaks, causing serious engine damage.
Possible cause described
Long oil-change intervals (about 32,000 km) create sludge that stops the chains being properly lubricated; the original GM engines had the same issue.
Check for the garage
Listen on a cold start; Honest John advises changing the oil about every 16,000 km.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Has this happened to you?

Anonymous answer, no personal data.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to repair this fault?

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.

A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Calculate estimate
How is it checked?

Listen on a cold start; Honest John advises changing the oil about every 16,000 km.

What are the symptoms?

Chain rattle on a cold start; the chain stretches and in some cases breaks, causing serious engine damage.

Which cars and years does it affect?
Brands
Alfa Romeo
Engine / equipment
2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 JTS petrol (GM-based): Alfa Romeo 159, Brera and Spider
Period mentioned
2005–2011

Taking it to a garage?

Find garages near you and, before you say yes, check whether the quote is reasonable.

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