- Annual maintenance typically around 700-1,000 RON, varying with repairs.
- Common issues include swirl flaps, EGR, DPF, and weak headlights.
- High-mileage cars often need clutch, gearbox, or turbo repairs.
- Most issues arise from carbon deposits clogging intake components.
Alfa Romeo 159 is regarded as one of the most beautiful sedans ever built, with a design that also inspired the Brera. With a graceful silhouette and a refined interior, this Italian car blends beauty with performance, but it also comes with brand-specific challenges for Alfa Romeo.
Based on real-owner reviews, we analyzed the practical aspects of owning an Alfa Romeo 159, from maintenance costs to common problems and long-term reliability. This article provides a complete perspective to help you make an informed decision.
Real opinions from Alfa Romeo 159 owners
Alex - Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDM (2008)
Alex owns a 2008 model and told us that annual maintenance costs him about 1,000 RON, not including major repairs. Yet the list of problems encountered is impressive: “Reliability is not its strong point. I replaced two intake and exhaust valves, and with them I resurfaced the head and replaced a piston and the water pump. On top of that the clutch gave way and at 3,000 km later the gearbox failed. The turbocharger held up heroically although it whines since I bought it.”
Second owner - Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDM (2005)
Another owner of a 159 1.9 JTDM from 2005 reports similar maintenance costs — 1,000 RON per year. Fortunately, his experience has been more positive: “Like any other car, besides regular servicing I had a single issue with it, a faulty fuel pump. I removed the DPF and disabled the EGR, but I didn’t have problems with them before. It seems the car runs much better now.”
Cornel - Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDM 150 HP
Cornel bought the car at 160,000 km and now has over 210,000 km on the clock. In the 50,000 km driven, he encountered problems with swirl flaps, DPF and the key reader. He also complains about reduced headlight power, a common issue on this model. Annual maintenance costs are around 700 RON.
Gabriel - Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDM Sportwagon (2008)
Gabriel covered 65,000 km in 19 months, investing annually 500€ on tires and 400-500€ on oil and filters. Fortunately, he did not have major mechanical issues, only replacing a pivot and two window regulators.
Teofil - experience with swirl flaps
Teofil reports annual costs of 2,000-2,500 RON, and the main issue was swirl flaps — one of the most expensive failures on Alfa Romeo diesel engines.
Common problems with Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDM
Major identified issues:
- swirl flaps — the most frequent and costly problem
- EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) — gets clogged with carbon deposits
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) — regeneration problems
- Weak headlights — insufficient lighting at night
- ball joints — premature wear in the suspension
- window regulators — frequent failures
- turbocharger — may develop a characteristic whine
- clutch — reduced lifespan on some examples
- gearbox — problems at high-mileage examples
Why do these problems occur?
Most issues are caused by carbon deposits resulting from burning the air–fuel mixture. These deposits affect:
- swirl flaps: they thicken until they strike the intake gallery, bending or breaking
- EGR: becomes clogged progressively, reducing engine efficiency
- DPF: cannot perform proper regeneration
Estimated annual maintenance cost: approximately 1,440 RON (average calculated from reviews)
History and context of the Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 was the star of the Geneva Auto Show in 2005, as the long-awaited successor to the 156. Built on Fiat Group’s “Premium” platform, it was available in sedan and sportwagon variants until 2011, when production ended to make way for the Giulietta and Mito.
With a generous boot (405 litres in sedan, 445 litres in sportwagon) and excellent sound insulation, the 159 was designed to offer the feeling of a car from a higher class.
Driving experience
Interior design and ergonomics
The cabin of the Alfa Romeo 159 combines premium materials with a sporty design. The lower seating position, three-spoke steering wheel and the instrument cluster contribute to the sedan’s dynamic character. The finish on the central console is high quality, with soft-touch materials at hand.
On-road behavior
The rear multilink suspension, with independent lateral and longitudinal arms, combined with precise and direct steering, offers excellent handling. The Q4 variant with permanent four-wheel drive distributes torque 57% to the rear and 43% to the front, making the sedan particularly enjoyable to drive.
Range of available engines
Gasoline engines
1.7 TBi: 200 hp at 5000 rpm, 320 Nm torque available from 1400 rpm, combined consumption 8.1 L/100 km
1.8 MPI: 140 hp at 6300 rpm, 165 Nm torque at 4000 rpm — considered a bit weak for the car’s weight
1.9 JTS: 160 hp and 190 Nm, consumption 9 L/100 km
2.2 JTS: 185 hp and 230 Nm, similar consumption
3.2 V6: 260 hp, 11.5 L/100 km — only on the Q4 variant
Diesel engines (recommended)
1.9 JTDM 120 HP: 280 Nm at 2000 rpm, consumption 5.9 L/100 km
1.9 JTDM 150 HP: 320 Nm, similar performance and consumption
2.4 JTD: 200 HP at 4000 rpm, impressive 400 Nm at 2000 rpm, consumption 7 L/100 km
Safety and equipment
Safety systems
- Rigid bodied with laser-welded structural elements
- 8 airbags, including knee protection
- VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
- ASR (Anti-slip Regulation)
- HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist)
Multimedia technology
Depending on trim, may include:
- GPS system with voice commands
- Integrated GSM phone
- BOSE audio system
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Parking sensors
- Cruise control
Practical aspects and limitations
Interior space
Although the design is impressive, rear passenger space is limited. For medium-height occupants, rear-seat comfort is compromised when the front seats are set to a normal position.
Boot accessibility
Despite the generous volume, the boot opening is relatively small, making it difficult to load bulky items.
Known reliability issues
Common minor issues
- Rapid battery drain (needs replacement before 3–4 years)
- Rear-area noises caused by mounting wheel arch guards
- Climate control system problems
Major costly problems
- DPF failure (~500 RON)
- Power steering fluid issues (models 2005-2006)
- Replacing the cooling/air conditioning system
Used market prices
Current price range
€2,000 - €4,000: examples with over 150,000 km, possible unresolved issues
€6,000 - €9,000: best balance between price and mechanical condition for roughly 10-year-old examples
€10,000 - €18,000: very well-maintained examples, under 100,000 km
Buying tips
Paradoxically, a car that has gone through the model’s classic issues and had them resolved can be a smarter choice than one that seems pristine. Check whether swirl flaps have been replaced and whether the EGR and DPF have been properly maintained.
Alternatives in the same price range
For €6,000-€9,000, you could also consider:
- Audi A4 (2004-2008)
- BMW 3 Series E90 (2005-2012)
- Mazda 6 (2002-2008)
These alternatives have generally proven more reliable than the Alfa Romeo 159.
Conclusion
Alfa Romeo 159 remains a choice for car enthusiasts who appreciate the unique Italian design and distinctive driving experience. Although it comes with reliability challenges and maintenance costs higher than its German or Japanese rivals, for many enthusiasts the pleasure of owning and driving this car outweighs these drawbacks.
Before buying, consider the extra costs for common issues and ensure you have the budget for proper maintenance of such an Italian car in this class.
Photo source: carmagazine.co.uk, wikipedia.org, carzone.ie, 3d-car-shows.com
