1998 Alfa Romeo 156: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Alfa Romeo 156 first registered in 1998: we looked at the 148 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 148 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension41% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics28% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes26% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Exhaust and emissions22% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Rust and bodywork18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Oil and fluid leaks17% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Alfa Romeo 156
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Alfa Romeo 156?
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Other years
Every year of the Alfa Romeo 156 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
| 2006 | – | Too few tests |
| 2005 | 494 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 600 | Suspension 40% |
| 2003 | 704 | Suspension 37% |
| 2002 | 545 | Suspension 35% |
| 2001 | 426 | Suspension 41% |
| 2000 | 305 | Suspension 39% |
| 1999 | 202 | Suspension 40% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Alfa Romeo 156 cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score