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Alfa Romeo 159 reliability by build year

Coverage 2006-20111 named generationSaloonDIESEL / PETROL

We've only got 855 MOT tests for Alfa Romeo 159 models built around 2010 (15 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Alfa Romeo 159 built around 2010: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Alfa Romeo 159 models built around 2010 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an Alfa Romeo 159 by number plate

Key figure

15.4% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 159 models built around 2010 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 8.1%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Alfa Romeo 159 models built around 2010 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Alfa Romeo 159's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 159's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

159 Series 1

Series 1 (2006-2011)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

33.2% fail rate, built around 2011 (14 years old)

Likely between 29.5% and 37.1%

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 29%)

From 585 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Alfa Romeo 159.

See every build year for the Alfa Romeo 159

By age

Alfa Romeo 159 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Alfa Romeo 159 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
33327.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
58533.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
85531.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
68533.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
74834.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
43133.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
5038.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 19 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 15-year-old Alfa Romeo 159 models

These issues come from 15-year-old Alfa Romeo 159 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    26.9%
    Advisory: 338Fail: 21 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    24.9%
    Advisory: 212Fail: 5 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    21.1%
    Advisory: 241Fail: 57 (19% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    18.0%
    Advisory: 250Fail: 21 (8% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    13.4%
    Advisory: 153Fail: 3 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 855 MOT tests on 15-year-old Alfa Romeo 159 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 15-year-old Alfa Romeo 159 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension31%
  2. Suspension + Tyres31%
  3. Brakes + Tyres29%
  4. Fuel & oil + Suspension24%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 522 MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 159 cars built around 2010 (15 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Alfa Romeo 159.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

4 recalls in all

All 4 Alfa Romeo 159 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 recalls

Top concerns

  • Reduction of braking assistance may occur
  • Brakes may fail
  • Possible loss of vehicle control

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 22.0%, against 31.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159, both built around 2010.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,381 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.7%

    Lower fail rate: 19.7%, against 31.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159, both built around 2010.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,466 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.6%
    Dangerous
    6.5%

    Lower fail rate: 26.8%, against 31.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159, both built around 2010.

    3,651 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.9%
    Dangerous
    7.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 24.6%, against 31.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159, both built around 2010.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,068 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Alfa Romeo 159 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 855 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Alfa Romeo 159 ever sold: 3,687 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2010 (15 years old): 855 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.