All models in the Alfa Romeo 159 range can be particularly prone to wear of their front upper suspension arms, the symptoms of which include a knocking or rattling noise from the front of the vehicle.
As well as causing a noisy, uncomfortable ride, a worn upper arm can also affect the vehicle’s handling, lead to premature wear of the front tyres and potentially to MOT failure.
The Alfa Romeo 159 can experience ABS problems, generating the trouble code C1275, which is the result of an ABS/ESP control module software fault. Technicians should consider this when diagnosing suspected ABS sensor faults. The fault can illuminate the ESP and/or the ABS warning light. However, the control module will need a replacement if a software issue is found.
Technicians may also be tempted to replace ABS sensors to cure an ESP related fault on these cars when the ESP warning light is illuminated. However, if fault code C1131 (ABS brake fluid pressure sensor, implausible signal) is recorded, the ABS hydraulic modulator will need to be replaced, not the ABS sensor.
Fault code C1131 ABS Pressure sensor fault, replacement ABS modulator over £1000 fitted – Pressure bleed the ABS first this may fix the fault.
Premature wear (6000 miles) on front tyres – caused by excessive movement/wear on lower suspension arms.
1.9D JTBM engine poor driveability and excess smoke from exhaust – EGR issues and additional EGR restrictor plate and gaskets.
Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from MEYLE, says the following difficulties may arise with the Alfa Romeo 159:
In this model, the bushings as well as the ball joints can fail prematurely due to heavy load and a high dynamic strain. As consequence, ball joints often wear out prematurely because they are mostly small dimensioned. Typical for the OE part is also an extreme local stretching of the rubber and failure-prone rubber plain bearings that lead to tears and premature failure of the bushings. The effects are vibration and loud noise from the front axle as well as reduced driving and braking safety.
Feedback from Autoelectro’s technical team, regarding issues on the Alfa 159 (Petrol and Diesel models)
The Starter Motor on diesel applications is prone to failing prematurely due to fluid/oil ingress, and on petrol models a fault with the fuel pump relay can lead to excessive cranking resulting in the Starter Motor overloading and being burnt out.
The Alternators have an issue on both petrol and diesel models with a noisy pulley or clutch failure in the pulley which can usually be attributed to a faulty tensioner, or a worn belt.
A few notes about the Alfa Romeo 159 (2005-2011):
For this particular vehicle, Alfa Romeo list a number of specifications for engine oil which should be covered by Comma Pro-Tech 5W30 or Syner G 5W40, depending on the specification and engine.
Here is some advice from Alfaowner.com, where more tips and fixes are available.
If you hold the unlock button on the fob for a few seconds then the windows will move down. Holding the lock button will cause the windows to close. As well as moving the windows down it will obviously unlock the car. Once the door is unlocked the car waits about 2 minutes and if no door has been opened then it relocks the doors as a security measure. It will not wind up the windows.
Here is some advice from AlfaDriver.com, where more tips and fixes are available.
Happened out of the blue last week – all other doors working fine. first time it happened, it wouldn't open from the outside but my daughter opened it from the inside, since then it won't open from inside or out. I suspect a rod has disconnected itself inside the door or the locking motor is jammed, seen both occur on a few 159s.
Here is some advice from Alfa Bulletin Board, where more tips and fixes are available.
The GM sourced engines have issues with timing chains stretching and the diesels have to have an Italian tune regularly or the EGR system in them clogs up requiring the removal of the head.
I've had a problem with second gear slipping to fourth gear then slipping into neutral. It has been an ongoing problem that my mechanics have yet to fix. I'm hoping to find some help online so when I take it back to the mechanics I can give them a list of possible causes that they haven't investigated yet. Someone suggested Alfas are known for actuator problems? Can anyone provide any help please?
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