KNOWN FAULTS · Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Brera / Spider 1.75 TBi / 2.2 JTS / 3.2 V6 common problems.

2005–2010 · Petrol

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

2 known faults with sources

Applies if: Only the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6; not the 1.75 TBi.

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

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.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Rust, diesel brakes and campaigns on the 159, Brera and SpiderKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Alfa Romeo 159, Brera and Spider (petrol and JTDm)
Period mentioned: 2005–2011
Symptoms: Rust on the front subframe (poor factory paint) that fails the inspection, and on the floor; radiator hoses chafing on the fan housing; failing manual gearboxes; on the 1750 TBi, reverse sticking on uphill starts; on diesels, intermittent loss of brake assistance (vacuum pump), belts and water pumps on the 1.9/2.4 JTDm and the dual-mass flywheel on the 2.0 JTDm.
Possible cause described: Cases collected by Honest John; replacing the master cylinder cured the braking problem on some diesels. Recalls: possible loss of control (built 1/11/2005 to 28/2/2007), brakes (20–22/11/2007) and, on the Brera, a heat shield that could damage a brake pipe (June–August 2006).
Check for the garage: Check the subframe and floor; test reverse on a slope; check campaigns by VIN.
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.