Alfa Romeo 159 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 99 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 258 of 442, and 44.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is rbt (sp) (9.5% of tests).
Ranked 258 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 3,405 Alfa Romeo 159s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 44.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Alfa Romeo 159 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
44.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,200
Typical age at test: 15 years
Alfa Romeo 159 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Alfa Romeo 159 MOT faults
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements9.5% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken6.7% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed4.5% of tests
- Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.4% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.6% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.6% of tests
What the Alfa Romeo 159 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 20.6% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Brakes | 16.6% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 15.1% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 9.4% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Tyres | 9.4% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 7.6% | About average |
| Visibility | 5.4% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Steering | 3.3% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.6% | ▼ 22% less often |
| Wheels | 0.6% | About average |
What MPG does the Alfa Romeo 159 do?
Official economy for the Alfa Romeo 159 ranges from 23.2 to 54.3mpg across the 38 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2010). A typical petrol version manages 30.4mpg and a typical diesel 41.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Alfa Romeo 159?
Any Alfa Romeo 159 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Alfa Romeo 159 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carAlfa Romeo 159 specs and running costs
Official figures for 38 versions sold in the UK between 2008 and 2010.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
23.2–54.3 mpg
CO2
138–288 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 159 1.9 JTDm 8v ECO (120)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 138g | £200 |
| 159 1.9 JTDm 16v (150)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 150g | £225 |
| 159 1.9 JTDm 16v QTronic (150)A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 180g | £360 |
| 159 2.4 JTDm 20v QTronic (200)A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 35.8 mpg | 208g | £445 |
| 159 2.4 JTDm 20v (210)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 179g | £360 |
| 159 Sportwagon 1.9 JTDm 8v ECO (120)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 140g | £200 |
| 159 Sportwagon 1.9 JTDm 16v (150)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 153g | £275 |
| 159 Sportwagon 1.9 JTDm 16v QTronic (150)A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 40.9 mpg | 182g | £360 |
| 159 Sportwagon 2.4 JTDm 20v QTronic (200)A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 35.3 mpg | 210g | £445 |
| 159 Sportwagon 2.4 JTDm 20v (210)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 40.9 mpg | 181g | £360 |
| 159 2.0 JTDm 16v (170)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 52.3 mpg | 142g | £225 |
| 159 Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 16v (170)M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 51.4 mpg | 145g | £225 |
| 159 2.2 JTS (185)M6 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 30.7 mpg | 218g | £445 |
| 159 3.2 JTS V6 (260)M6 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 25.7 mpg | 260g | £790 |
| 159 Sportwagon 2.2 JTS (185)M6 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 30.4 mpg | 220g | £445 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 38 versions.
What a Alfa Romeo 159 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 30.4mpg…
- diesel, typical official 41.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Alfa Romeo 159Buying a used Alfa Romeo 159?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Alfa Romeo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Alfa Romeo 159 reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Alfa Romeo 159 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 99 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Alfa Romeo 159?
The most common MOT fault is “Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements”, found in 9.5% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions and brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Alfa Romeo 159 do?
Official economy for the Alfa Romeo 159 ranges from 23.2 to 54.3mpg across the 38 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2010). A typical petrol version manages 30.4mpg and a typical diesel 41.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Alfa Romeo 159?
Any Alfa Romeo 159 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Alfa Romeo 159 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
›How many Alfa Romeo 159s fail their MOT?
44.2% of Alfa Romeo 159s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Alfa Romeo 159 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.