Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS 939

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Early 159 models (2005-2008) have a power steering fluid reservoir with a loose internal baffle that causes fluid to froth, starving the pump and creating groaning noises at low speed. Replacing the reservoir costs only 50-120 euros and is an easy fix. Switching to the correct Tutela GI/R green fluid is essential. 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.

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.