Alfa Romeo 159 MOT Failures
An analysis of 50,748 real DVSA MOT tests on the Alfa Romeo 159 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: 159 (2005–2011).
Where the Alfa Romeo 159 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Alfa Romeo 159 is emissions failure — this model is 18 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 50,748 MOT tests, 1.42% of all Alfa Romeo 159 tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include light unit fault (14x the fleet average), structural corrosion (27x the fleet average), suspension component damaged or corroded (16x the fleet average), and subframe bushes or mounts worn (13x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Alfa Romeo 159's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Lights & Electrics, Bodywork, Suspension, Steering and others. If you're inspecting a Alfa Romeo 159 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Alfa Romeo 159's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Alfa Romeo 159 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are subframe bushes or mounts worn (13x the average) and suspension component damaged or corroded (12x).
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Alfa Romeo 159 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are structural corrosion (27x the average) and emissions failure (15x). light unit fault (14x) and steering rack wear (13x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Alfa Romeo 159 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are stop lamps remain on when the brakes are released (21x the average) and suspension component damaged or corroded (16x). emissions failure (11x) and steering rack wear (11x) also appear frequently.
The shift from subframe bushes or mounts worn at lower mileages to stop lamps remain on when the brakes are released at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Alfa Romeo 159 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Swirl flap failure (JTDm diesel) Dangerous
The intake manifold swirl flaps on JTDm diesel engines can fracture and be ingested into the engine, causing catastrophic damage. Affects 159; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Timing belt service (1.9 and 2.4 JTDm diesel) Dangerous
The 1.9 and 2.4 JTDm diesel engines require a timing belt change every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first. Affects 159; typical independent garage repair cost is £350–£500.
Steering rack failure Major
The 159 is prone to steering rack failure. Affects 159; typical independent garage repair cost is £600–£1,000.
Coil spring fracture Major
The 159 is a heavy car, which places high stress on the front coil springs. Affects 159; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Alfa Romeo 159 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Alfa Romeo 159
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Alfa Romeo 159:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Lights & Electrics — check for light unit fault. Bodywork — check for structural corrosion. Suspension — check for suspension component damaged or corroded, subframe bushes or mounts worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about swirl flap failure and timing belt service. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Alfa Romeo 159?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Alfa Romeo 159 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Alfa Romeo 159?
Based on 50,748 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 18x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include light unit fault and structural corrosion.
Is the Alfa Romeo 159 reliable based on MOT data?
The Alfa Romeo 159 has 14 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag swirl flap failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Alfa Romeo 159 most commonly fails on stop lamps remain on when the brakes are released and suspension component damaged or corroded. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are subframe bushes or mounts worn and suspension component damaged or corroded.
How do I check a Alfa Romeo 159's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.