2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Sub-frame2× usual
  Alfa Romeo 159

  11.7% All 2009 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Diesel smoke emissions5.2× usual
  Alfa Romeo 159

  5.2% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
  Alfa Romeo 159

  5.4% All 2009 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Side repeaters2.7× usual
  Alfa Romeo 159

  3.8% All 2009 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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.

• Tyres
  40% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?