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Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1 (2006-2011) reliability

At a glance

Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1 built around 2011: fails its MOT more often than average

Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1 models built around 2011 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at an Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1 models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1 models built around 2011 involves the tyres.

Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2006-2011SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 3,556 tests of 159 models registered 2006-2011.

About 1 in 6 159 Series 1 MOTs (15.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 585 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 12.8% and 18.7%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 10 159 Series 1 MOTs (9.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 585 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 7.3% and 12.0%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Series 1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
20229.7%
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.

How the 159 Series 1 compares

At each age below, see how the 159 Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 9,446 tests across 6 Alfa Romeo models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAlfa Romeo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
20229.7%
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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

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

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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 159 Series 1.

  1. 1

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.4%
    Dangerous
    6.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.4%, against 33.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1, both built around 2011.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    12,637 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.6%
    Dangerous
    6.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 22.8%, against 33.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1, both built around 2011.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,066 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.5%

    Lower fail rate: 18.5%, against 33.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1, both built around 2011.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,081 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.1%
    Dangerous
    6.6%

    Lower fail rate: 25.9%, against 33.2% for the Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1, both built around 2011.

    4,197 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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.

Recall context

4 recalls in all

All 4 159 Series 1 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.

How 159 Series 1 cars have aged

How 159 Series 1 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%40%1012141618Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (416 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (393 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (323 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (304 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (237 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (751 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (700 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (608 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (561 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (480 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (963 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (832 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (697 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (539 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (413 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,024 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (840 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (670 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (524 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (418 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (975 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (734 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (574 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (432 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (316 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 36.7% (335 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (248 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (185 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (129 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 38.0% (50 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
Series 1 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Alfa Romeo 159 models of this age

This list covers every Alfa Romeo 159 built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    28.0%
    Advisory: 165Fail: 5 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    27.7%
    Advisory: 252Fail: 20 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    16.9%
    Advisory: 114Fail: 31 (21% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    16.2%
    Advisory: 156Fail: 15 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    11.1%
    Advisory: 87Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 585 tests

Looking at an Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Alfa Romeo 159 Series 1 (2006-2011) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 585 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 3,556 MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 159 models first registered between 2006-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.