Thinking about buying a used Alfa Romeo 147 (2000–2010) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
8
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$1,600
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Alfa Romeo 147 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Twin Spark Head Gasket Failure Cylinders 2-3 and 3-4
CriticalCommonEngine $2,000–$4,500 to fix
The 1.6 and 2.0 Twin Spark engines in the 147 suffer a documented pattern of head gasket failure specifically between cylinders 2 and 3, and between cylinders 3 and 4. The aluminium cylinder head expands at a different rate from the cast-iron block under thermal cycling, causing the multi-layer steel head gasket to fail at the fire ring land between adjacent cylinder bores. Contributing factors include the engine's tendency to overheat when the cooling system is neglected, and factory torque-to-yield head bolts that cannot be re-used after removal, making an improperly performed head gasket repair prone to repeat failure. Coolant loss, combustion gas contamination of the coolant, and cross-contamination between cylinder bores are typical outcomes.
Symptoms to notice
Coolant loss with no visible external leak from hoses or radiator
White steam from exhaust especially on startup from cold
Milky creamy deposits on dipstick or oil filler cap indicating coolant mixing with oil
Temperature gauge creeping toward the hot zone
Misfire on cylinders 2, 3 or 4 after engine reaches operating temperature
Bubbles visible in coolant reservoir with engine at operating temperature
What to check
Run the engine to full operating temperature and check for steam or white smoke from exhaust. Remove radiator cap when fully cold and check for oily residue or emulsification in the coolant. Check the oil filler cap for white or cream coloured deposits. Use a combustion gas block tester on the coolant reservoir with the engine warm and running.
Where to look: Cylinder head to block mating surface between middle cylinder bores
Ask the seller
“Has the head gasket ever been replaced?”
“Has the car overheated at any point in its history?”
“Is the coolant level stable and what colour is it?”
“Are there any records of cooling system repairs?”
02Electric window regulator, door-module and dashboard electrical gremlins
MinorCommonElectrical $200–$900 to fix
The 147 is known for electrical niggles that grow with age. The front electric window regulators fail (the plastic lift mechanism breaks so the glass won't move), the door-mounted window/mirror control module and door-handle microswitches play up - often after the trim has been off before - and owners report erratic dashboard warning lights and window/mirror controls going haywire, sometimes traceable to blown fuses (F39/F47/F48) or a faulty relay. Individually these are cheap parts but they are fiddly and add up, and a car with several dead switches or a stuck window is a common sight.
Symptoms to notice
Electric window won't move or drops into the door
Beep from the switch but no window movement
Mirror or window controls dead on one door
Erratic dashboard warning lights
Grinding or clunk from inside the door when a window is operated
What to check
Operate every window and mirror from every switch, several times, listening for grinding regulators and watching for windows that stick or fall. Work through the dashboard warning lights on ignition-on and check none stay lit oddly. Try the door handles and central locking from each door. Ask whether any door trims have been off - repeated removal often damages the window/mirror module wiring.
Where to look: Front door window regulators; door-mounted window/mirror control modules; interior fuse box (F39/F47/F48); dashboard cluster
Ask the seller
“Do all four windows and both mirrors work from every switch?”
“Have any window regulators, door modules or switches been replaced?”
“Are there any warning lights that come on and won't clear?”
TransmissionCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
6 more documented faults on the Alfa Romeo 147
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Alfa Romeo 147, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Alfa Romeo 147 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Alfa Romeo 147?
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We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Alfa Romeo 147, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Alfa Romeo 147?
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Most single repairs on the Alfa Romeo 147 fall between $500–$1,600 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Alfa Romeo 147?
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Yes. A Alfa Romeo 147 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.