The 159 brought sharp Giugiaro styling and genuine presence to the mid-size segment. The 2.2 JTS is the main petrol option, a direct-injection four-cylinder derived from GM's Ecotec platform producing 185 hp. It is charismatic but thirsty, and the engine demands shorter oil change intervals than the factory recommends to avoid its main weakness: premature timing chain stretch. Available with either a 6-speed manual (M32) or Selespeed automated manual, both of which carry their own reliability concerns.· more· less
Striking design, strong presence185 hp direct-injection engine
Buy if: You want a stylish Italian saloon with a petrol engine and can verify timing chain condition, gearbox health, and subframe integrity before buying.
Avoid if: You cannot commit to frequent oil changes (every 10,000 km), need a trouble-free automatic, or want low fuel costs.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€3,300
median asking price, typically 165,000 km
Typical range€1,500 – €4,800
Maintenance cost
€950 – €1,750/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €800 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€450 – €950 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Chain stretches prematurely due to oil sludge in fine galleries, especially with factory-length oil change intervals · more· less
The 2.2 JTS engine has fine oil galleries that clog easily with sludge, particularly when oil changes are performed at the factory-recommended 30,000 km interval. Once clogged, the oil-fed chain tensioner cannot maintain correct tension, allowing the chain to stretch. Symptoms start with a P0016 fault code (camshaft position correlation error), difficulty starting, and rattling from the timing area at idle. In severe cases, the chain can skip teeth, causing valve-to-piston contact on this interference engine. Chains have been reported failing as early as 30,000 km on neglected cars, though 60,000-100,000 km is more typical. Replacement requires approximately 4-5 hours of labour. A full chain kit with variators costs approximately 300-400 euros, bringing total repair to 800-1,400 euros at a specialist. If valve damage has occurred, expect 1,500-2,000 euros. Prevention: change oil every 10,000 km maximum with fully synthetic oil, and have the chain inspected at every service.
Camshaft variator solenoid failure
up to €5002 of 9
Variable valve timing solenoids stick from oil sludge, causing rough idle, hesitation, and fault codes · more· less
The intake and exhaust camshaft variator solenoids are highly sensitive to oil quality. When oil sludge builds up, the solenoids stick, causing P0011 (intake timing), P0014 (exhaust timing), and the dreaded P0016 (correlation) fault codes. Symptoms include rough idle, poor starting, hesitation, and reduced power. In some cases, cleaning the solenoids with solvent resolves the issue temporarily. Replacement solenoids cost 70-170 euros each (OEM Alfa parts), or significantly less using identical GM original parts (approximately 40 euros each). Labour is minimal as the solenoids are accessible from the top of the engine. However, solenoid failure is often an early warning sign of timing chain stretch, so always investigate further if these codes appear.
M32 gearbox bearing failure (manual)
up to €2,0003 of 9
Output shaft bearings wear prematurely, causing whining noise in 5th and 6th gear · more· less
The M32 six-speed manual gearbox shares its design with Vauxhall/Opel and other Fiat group models. The 6th gear bearing is the first to fail, producing a whining noise that increases with road speed, most noticeable in 5th and 6th gear. If ignored, the bearing can disintegrate and damage the casing. Early bearing replacement at a transmission specialist costs 600-900 euros. A full rebuild with all bearings, seals, and upgraded end cap runs 1,000-1,500 euros. If the casing is damaged, a replacement gearbox costs 1,500-2,000 euros. The issue typically appears between 80,000-150,000 km. Using quality synthetic gearbox oil and changing it every 60,000 km significantly extends bearing life.
Front subframe corrosion
up to €1,5004 of 9
Factory anti-corrosion coating is inadequate, allowing severe rust especially in climates with road salt · more· less
The 159 front subframe has poor factory corrosion protection. Stone chips remove the coating and exposed steel rusts quickly, particularly in countries using road salt. In severe cases, the subframe develops holes and becomes structurally unsafe, leading to MOT/TUV failure. Pre-2010 models without drainage holes are worst affected. Preventive treatment (wire brushing and wax oil) costs 150-200 euros. If removal is needed for professional treatment or powder coating, expect 500-1,500 euros. Full replacement with a new subframe and labour costs 1,000-1,500 euros. Cars from southern European climates are typically much less affected. This is the first thing to inspect from underneath any 159.
Selespeed hydraulic system failure (if equipped)
up to €2,5005 of 9
Hydraulic pump, accumulator, or TCU fails on Selespeed automated manual, causing inability to select gears · more· less
If the car has the Selespeed automated manual transmission rather than a conventional manual, expect significantly higher repair risk. The hydraulic system includes a pump, accumulator, and transmission control unit (TCU) that can all fail independently. The hydraulic fluid is never changed as part of normal servicing, leading to degraded seals and pump wear. Symptoms include jerky shifts, failure to engage gear, and the gearbox getting stuck in neutral. A new Selespeed actuator unit from Alfa costs approximately 2,000-2,500 euros. Specialist repair of individual components (seals, sensors, accumulator) costs 500-1,200 euros. Fluid flushing using a diagnostic tool can temporarily resolve minor issues for 100-200 euros. This is the single biggest reason to avoid the Selespeed variant or budget heavily for it.
Engine hesitation at 2,000 rpm
up to €6006 of 9
Factory ECU calibration causes a flat spot and juddering around 1,500-2,000 rpm during pull-away · more· less
This is a well-known and extensively documented design characteristic of the 2.2 JTS engine. When pulling away from standstill, the engine hesitates and judders around 1,500-2,000 rpm before delivering power normally above that range. A 67-page thread on alfaowner.com documents the issue and Alfa Romeo UK's refusal to acknowledge it as a defect. The primary fix is an ECU remap from a specialist such as Celtic Tuning or Alfatune, which also adds approximately 15 hp and 20 Nm. Cost is 300-600 euros. Before remapping, ensure the inlet manifold is clean, spark plugs are fresh, and the oil separator membrane is intact. Some cars are worse than others, and post-2008 facelift models improved slightly.
Ignition coil pack failure
up to €4007 of 9
Bosch stick coils degrade from heat, especially near cylinder 3, causing misfires · more· less
The individual coil-on-plug units on the 2.2 JTS are not particularly durable. The area around cylinder 3 runs hot, causing coil insulation to break down faster. Symptoms include intermittent misfires, rough running, and a check engine light. Some owners report replacing 3 of 4 coils before 140,000 km. Individual coils cost 25-50 euros each (aftermarket) or 80-100 euros (Bosch OEM). Replacing all four plus spark plugs costs 200-400 euros at a garage. Changing spark plugs at 40,000 km rather than waiting longer reduces electrical stress on the coils.
Power steering rack and pump wear
up to €1,2008 of 9
Reservoir valve fault causes fluid frothing, accelerating pump and rack wear · more· less
Early 159s can froth their power steering fluid, starving the pump and creating groaning noises at low speed. Alfa Romeo's Service News 41.01.10 answers this by replacing the old GI/E fluid with GI/R across the affected 159 range, and switching to that correct Tutela GI/R green fluid is essential here too. The reservoir replacement that goes with it in many write-ups was prescribed only for the 1.9 and 2.0 diesels and the 3.2 V6, not for this 2.2 JTS, so do not let a workshop sell it as a required part of the fix. However, if the frothing has been ongoing, the pump and rack may already be damaged. A reconditioned steering rack costs 350-500 euros plus 200-400 euros labour. A new OEM rack runs 900-1,200 euros fitted. Power steering pump replacement costs 300-500 euros. Post-2009 cars with the updated reservoir and fluid are less prone.
Front suspension wishbone and bush wear
up to €8009 of 9
Upper and lower wishbone bushes wear rapidly, causing inner front tyre wear and rattling · more· less
The 159 is notorious for rapid front inner tyre wear, sometimes destroying tyres in under 10,000 km. The cause is a combination of aggressive factory toe-out settings and worn wishbone bushes. The upper wishbone bush fails first, producing a rattle over bumps. The lower wishbone inner bush is hollow and flexes, contributing to toe change under braking. Replacement upper wishbones (bushes are not sold separately) cost 200-350 euros per pair. Lower bush replacement with Powerflex polyurethane bushes costs 200-400 euros. Four-wheel alignment to corrected specifications (zero toe instead of factory toe-out) is essential and costs 80-120 euros. Budget for this repair at least once during ownership.
Characterful but demanding ownership proposition
The 2.2 JTS engine has a specific and well-documented weakness: premature timing chain stretch caused by oil sludge in its fine galleries. This makes strict oil change discipline (every 10,000 km) essential rather than optional. The M32 gearbox bearings and front subframe corrosion are shared concerns with all 159 variants. Selespeed-equipped cars carry additional risk from the hydraulic transmission system. With proactive maintenance, correct oil change intervals, and careful pre-purchase inspection, the 2.2 JTS can deliver satisfying ownership. However, it demands more attention than its German competitors.
Service history
Complete Alfa Romeo specialist or dealer records essential. Verify oil changes have been done every 10,000 km at most, not at the factory 30,000 km interval.
Tires
Check tread depth and inner edge wear on the front tyres. Rapid inner wear is extremely common and indicates alignment or wishbone bush issues.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in the first 10-30 seconds and note how quickly it settles.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check for hesitation at 2,000 rpm, gearbox whining in upper gears, and any warning lights.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start
Start engine cold and listen at the front for metallic rattling in the first 30 seconds. Persistent rattle indicates stretched chain. Check for P0016 fault code with OBD scanner.
Inspect front subframe from underneath
Look at the subframe welds and box sections for bubbling paint, flaking coating, or rust-through. Severe corrosion can make the car uneconomical to repair. This is a walk-away issue.
Test M32 gearbox in 5th and 6th gear
Drive at motorway speed and listen for whining noise that increases with road speed. Ask when gearbox oil was last changed. Any whine means bearing wear has begun.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Check oil change history and interval
Ask specifically about oil change frequency. If the owner followed factory 30,000 km intervals, timing chain and solenoid issues are far more likely. Every 10,000 km is the recommended interval.
Assess hesitation severity during pull-away
Do several standing starts. Mild hesitation is normal on unremapped cars, but severe juddering or stalling suggests additional issues beyond the standard flat spot.
Verify Selespeed fluid condition (if auto)
If the car has the Selespeed gearbox, check the hydraulic fluid colour. Black fluid indicates it has never been changed and the system is at high risk of failure.
Test power steering at full lock
Turn steering from lock to lock at standstill. Listen for groaning or whining from the pump. Check fluid level and colour: should be green (GI/R), not red (old GI/E specification).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Brake hoses potentially defective - campaign 5262, UK reference R/2007/174, 159s built 17 October to 19 November 2007, subject to VINCritical - verify completed
Roof rail attachment failure with aftermarket roof bars - campaign 5090, German-market Sportwagons with optional roof rails built July to August 2006Verify completed
Contact Alfa Romeo or a Stellantis dealer with the VIN to verify all applicable recalls have been completed. The 159 was produced before comprehensive EU recall databases, so a VIN check directly with the manufacturer is the most reliable method. Note that campaigns often listed for the 159 belong to other versions: one concerned the Q4 power transfer unit and cannot apply to this front-wheel-drive car, and another covered 3.2 V6 cars built November 2006 to November 2007.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 159 models
Rust perforation warranty (8 years)Expired on all 159 models
Extended warrantyThird-party warranties available; exclusions common for older vehicles
All Alfa Romeo 159 models are well outside their original 2-year factory warranty and 8-year rust perforation warranty. Third-party extended warranties are available but typically exclude pre-existing conditions, timing chain, gearbox, and high-wear components. Given the age of these cars, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is more valuable than warranty coverage.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
