Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor): common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor) (2016–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning engine, cooling, electrical, and body & rust. 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
$800–$2,200
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor) faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The 2.0T GME four-cylinder engine in the Giulia has a documented cold-start timing chain rattle caused by inadequate oil pressure reaching the hydraulic chain tensioner during initial cranking. The rattle typically lasts 2–5 seconds after a cold start and subsides as oil pressure builds. NHTSA received numerous complaints from North American owners and the issue is extensively documented on European and Australian owner forums. Prolonged neglect accelerates chain and guide wear, risking chain skip and valve damage on high-mileage engines.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling or chattering noise for 2–5 seconds immediately on cold start
Noise subsides once oil pressure builds after initial crank
Rattle duration increasing progressively with mileage
Occasional timing-related check engine codes on high-mileage examples
What to check
Start the engine from cold after an overnight soak and listen immediately for chain rattle from the top front of the engine. Record audio on a phone if rattle is present. Check oil level and condition and request service history confirming fully synthetic oil changes at no more than 10,000km intervals.
Where to look: Top front of engine, timing chain cover, driver's side of engine bay
Ask the seller
“Does the engine make any rattling or chattering noise in the first few seconds after a cold start?”
“What engine oil specification and brand has been used throughout the car's life?”
“Has the timing chain or tensioner ever been inspected or replaced?”
02Door Window Regulator Cable Failure
MinorCommonBody & Rust $750–$2,000 to fix
The cable-type window regulators fitted to the Giulia 952 door cards are a recurring failure point, with the cable fraying or detaching from the motor spool causing the window glass to drop into the door cavity. Owners report the window motor continues to run but the glass does not move, or the glass drops unexpectedly when the door is closed sharply. The failure can leave the window unable to seal, exposing the interior to weather. The fault has been documented across multiple Alfa Romeo models sharing the FCA door architecture, with alfabb.com and alfaowner.com hosting numerous regulator cable discussions and DIY repair guides. Repair kits replacing the cable and pulley assembly are available as alternatives to full regulator replacement, reducing repair cost significantly.
Symptoms to notice
Window glass drops into door when door is closed
Window motor runs but glass does not move
Window moves slowly or erratically on the way up
Rattling sound from inside the door when window operates
Window unable to seal fully at the top of travel
What to check
Operate all four windows up and down during the test drive, listening for motor strain or clicking from inside the door. Check that each window fully seals against the weatherstrip at the top. Ask about any history of window sticking or dropping. Inspect for any water staining on the door card interior lining, which can indicate the window was stuck open for a period.
Where to look: Window regulator cable and pulley assembly inside each door; motor mounted mid-door behind the door card trim panel
Ask the seller
“Have any windows ever dropped into the door or failed to go up?”
“Have any window regulators been repaired or replaced?”
“Do all four windows operate smoothly and seal correctly?”
“Has water entered the cabin through any window?”
CoolingCritical
ElectricalCritical
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
6 more documented faults on the Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor)
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 159 (predecessor), the recurring problem areas are engine, cooling, and electrical. A Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor) 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 159 (predecessor)?
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We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor), covering engine, cooling, and electrical. 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 159 (predecessor)?
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Most single repairs on the Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor) fall between $800–$2,200 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 159 (predecessor)?
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Yes. A Alfa Romeo 159 (predecessor) 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.