Italian executive sedan with stunning Giugiaro styling and engaging dynamics. The 2.2 JTS is the most affordable petrol option but brings significant risks. Based on GM's Z22SE engine which had timing chain problems in Vauxhall Vectras. Factory oil change intervals of 18,000-21,000 miles cause sludge buildup leading to premature timing chain stretch - can fail as early as 20,000 miles. Mated to the notorious M32 gearbox with weak 6th gear bearing. Common hesitation/flat spot around 2000 rpm requires ECU remap to fix. Very thirsty - expect 16-20 mpg real-world. Front tire wear is extreme due to geometry issues. The 1.9 JTDm and 2.2 JTS are considered the least reliable 159 variants - but with proper maintenance (oil changes every 10,000 km) and awareness of weak points, these cars can provide good service.
Chain wears prematurely due to excessive oil change intervals, can fail as early as 20,000 miles · more· less
The 2.2 JTS engine is based on GM's Z22SE which had a bad reputation for timing chain failures in Vauxhall Vectras. Alfa Romeo's specified 18,000-21,000 mile oil change interval causes sludge buildup and oil degradation. The engine has a 1mm oil feed nozzle that can clog. Chains typically last 40,000-60,000 miles but can fail much earlier. Symptoms: rattling from timing area especially at idle, check engine light, P0016 fault code, difficulty starting, power loss. One owner had chain replaced under warranty at 12,000 miles and needed it again at 62,000 miles. Unlike a timing belt, chains give warning before failure - listen for rattling. Dealer quote: £1,200-1,400. Independent Alfa specialist: under £700. Parts (timing chain kit with variators): £540. Prevention is key - change oil every 10,000 km maximum.
6th gear bearing too small for torque loads, causes whining in 5th/6th gear · more· less
The M32 6-speed gearbox is infamous across multiple GM/Fiat/Opel platforms. The weak point is one of two bearings supporting the 1st/2nd/5th/6th gear shaft - commonly called the "6th gear bearing". Symptoms start as subtle whining in 5th and 6th gear around 40-50 mph, most noticeable when backing off throttle. As it worsens, the gear stick drops downward in 1st and 5th gear. If left too long, the bearing collapses causing severe internal damage and metal ejection through the casing. If caught early, repair involves replacing all 7 bearings supporting input/output shafts. Costs: bearing-only replacement £500-650 at specialists, full refurb with all bearings £650-755, complete clutch/DMF/gearbox overhaul £1,350-1,900. Prevention: use good synthetic oil, change every 30,000 miles, avoid underfilling, don't accelerate hard in 5th/6th gear. WG Motorworks (UK specialist) does drive-in repairs from £499-599.
Hesitation/flat spot at 2000 rpm€300 - €600
Engine judders and hesitates between 1500-2000 rpm when moving off - design flaw · more· less
This is an inherent characteristic of the 2.2 JTS engine, not a defect - "all 2.2s seem to do it". When pulling away from standstill, there's a flat spot and juddering around 1500-2000 rpm, typically in 1st gear, sometimes 2nd. The engine feels unresponsive then surges with a turbo-like effect past 2000 rpm. Fixes: ECU remap is the most commonly recommended solution - Celtic Tuning and Alfatune (Gus) are well-regarded. A remap also adds approximately 15 hp and 20 Nm torque. Before remapping, address maintenance first: inlet port clean, injector cleaning/servicing, new air intake hose with resonator, new spark plugs, E5 fuel. Other helpful mods: new oil separator membrane (tears easily causing unmetered air intake), throttle body cleaning with contact cleaner. Some owners drill 13mm holes in rear exhaust section for better gas pressure escape. Not all 2.2 JTS engines suffer equally from this issue. Cost: quality ECU remap €300-600.
Front suspension bushes and drop links€250 - €1,800
Bushes dry out causing adverse noises, cannot buy bushes separately - must replace entire arms · more· less
The 159 front suspension bushes dry out over time causing knocking and rattling, especially over bumps. Alfa changed the suspension design in 2008 models to prevent this. The lower arm rear bush has significant play as standard, often mistaken for failure by MOT testers. Drop link (anti-roll bar stabilizer) bushes also fail commonly. You cannot buy replacement bushes from Alfa Romeo or independent suppliers - must replace the complete arm. Dealer quotes can exceed £1,000 for one job. Full front suspension replacement (top and bottom arms both sides): £1,800. Drop links alone: cheap and easy to replace. Recommendation: do both suspension arms and drop links in one session since drop links must be dismantled to access arms anyway. Aftermarket option: Powerflex uprated bushes offer improved handling and longevity. Front ARB bushes crack in 99.9% of Brera/159s but usually have no play - they just dry up. Typical repair: €250-400 for drop links, €600-900 for control arms, €1,200-1,800 for complete front overhaul.
Power steering pump and rack failure€500 - €1,400
Poorly designed system prone to premature wear - fluid type and reservoir issues · more· less
This is a well-known problem across all 159/Brera models regardless of engine. Two root causes: (1) Early power steering reservoirs had problematic non-return valves causing oil to froth. Pump cannot operate correctly with air - becomes noisy. Reservoir was updated later. (2) Red GI/E power steering fluid used pre-2009 was inadequate. In 2009 fluid changed to green GI/R oil. This caused confusion even at Alfa dealers. Symptoms: pump whine most noticeable when turning at low speeds or standstill (test cold AND hot engine), creaking and knocking when turning, horrible moaning noise 5 mins after startup made worse with steering movement. Some owners have had pumps replaced after just 1 year. Fix: often cured by replacing reservoir and changing to green GI/R fluid (Tutela GI/R). Cost: under £75 for reservoir + fluid. If pump actually failed: non-genuine aftermarket pumps often inadequate. Steering rack: £900 new from Alfa, £500 reconditioned. To avoid problems: buy 2009+ model and verify green GI/R fluid.
Camshaft variator solenoids€100 - €350
Solenoids fail commonly especially with extended oil change intervals · more· less
Camshaft position solenoids are a very common failure on 2.2 JTS engines, particularly when oil changes are done at the factory 20,000 km interval. Symptoms: rough idle, hesitation, stalling, fault codes P0011 (intake) and P0014 (exhaust), P0016 (often related to stretched timing chain). Two solenoids: intake (part 71773493) and exhaust (part 71773494). Parts cost: Alfa branded £73 each (UK), dealer £170 each. Cheaper alternative: GM original parts (# 12655420 intake, # 12655421 exhaust) are identical and cost only $38 USD each. eBay pairs available for £18-40 for both. Labor: half hour (£20 labor cost), described as a 10-minute job by experienced mechanics. Before replacing, try removing and cleaning the solenoid first - can solve the problem temporarily. Important: if the entire variator mechanism (not just solenoid) needs replacement, cost exceeds £500. Total typical repair: €100-200 DIY with GM parts, €250-350 professional with OEM Alfa parts.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel€650 - €1,900
Heavy wear item typically needs replacement between 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
The 2.2 JTS uses a dual mass flywheel which is a consumable item. Clutches typically last 80,000-120,000 km depending on driving style. Symptoms: slipping clutch, vibration, difficulty engaging gears, rattling at idle in neutral. CG Motorsport always recommends changing dual mass flywheel when replacing clutch - the job requires gearbox removal which is heavy two-man work due to weight. Parts costs: new flywheel from Alfa (55217581) £875.50 + VAT, aftermarket DMF under £250, clutch cover and plate £140. Total parts if buying separately: around £500-600 plus release bearing £120. Labor-intensive job. Full job costs: Autolusso (Alfa specialist) from £635 inc VAT for clutch kit supplied and fitted - but dual mass flywheel additional. Independent garage quotes: £1,610-1,700 for clutch + DMF + slave cylinder. Some garages quote cheap clutch-only prices knowing flywheel will be added later. Typical total: €650-900 independent specialist, €1,200-1,900 with dealer labor rates or if additional components needed.
Swirl flap failure (intake manifold)€250 - €800
Flaps gum up with deposits, jam, cause engine fault codes and minimal power · more· less
Swirl flaps improve combustion by creating swirl in chamber at low revs. On 159s the flap tends to jam from EGR deposits and oily residue, bringing up engine management faults. Engine will only produce minimal power - barely enough to reach 50 mph. Manifold replacement is a huge job requiring cam belt and fuel injection high pressure pump removal - best part of a day's work. 159 inlet manifold alone over £250. Modern solution: swirl flap delete/blanking. Previously required complete manifold replacement at vast expense. Now blanking kits available - remove flaps and plug holes, preventing future failures and saving manifold replacement cost. Best done at cambelt service since belt must come off to remove manifold. Some shops offer EGR blanking and swirl flap delete for €450 combined. Cambelt + water pump €400 vs. cambelt + water pump + swirl delete over €800 at specialists like Autolusso. On 1.9 JTDm with plastic manifold, metal flaps can break loose and get ingested, requiring reconditioned head and turbo replacement. Typical repair: €250-450 for swirl delete, €600-800 if done with cambelt service.
Excessive front tire wear€400 - €900
Inner edge wears alarmingly fast - sometimes under 10,000 miles due to geometry issues · more· less
The 159 has an extreme appetite for front tires - they wear on the inner edge with alarming speed, sometimes in under 10,000 miles. This is nearly always a geometry/tracking issue and makes the car feel as though it tramlines. Front tire wear is also caused by wear in the upper top wishbone. Worn upper wishbone usually accompanied by a rattle that's extremely difficult to pinpoint. Standard tire size: 225/50R17. Alternative sizes: 235/45R18 (common), 245/40R18 (wider choice, better prices). Tire prices: replacement ranges from £180-220 each (€200-250). Premium brands: Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta approximately £120/€135 each. Budget option: 225/45R18 opens cheaper options. Recommendation: always check inside edges of front tires for excessive wear before purchase. Front tracking adjustment required frequently. Upper wishbone replacement needed if rattle present. Annual tire budget assuming premature wear: €400-900 for front pair replacement, potentially needed every 15,000-20,000 km instead of normal 40,000+ km.
Higher risk than German competitors - requires diligent maintenance
The 2.2 JTS paired with M32 gearbox is considered among the least reliable 159 variants. The timing chain issue inherited from GM's Z22SE engine is the biggest concern - can cause catastrophic failure if ignored. However, with proper maintenance (oil changes every 10,000 km maximum, not 18,000-21,000 factory spec), early problem detection, and realistic expectations, these cars can provide satisfying ownership. The hesitation issue affects nearly all 2.2 JTS engines but is fixable with a remap. Budget significantly more for maintenance than German rivals - especially for tires and potential gearbox/timing chain work. Best for enthusiasts who appreciate Italian design and are willing to invest in proper maintenance.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes done significantly more frequently than factory 18,000-21,000 mile interval. Look for 10,000 km intervals. Evidence of timing chain replacement is positive.
Front tires
Check inner edge wear carefully. Excessive inner wear indicates geometry issues and worn suspension components. Factor replacement cost into negotiations.
Cold start - CRITICAL
Engine must be completely cold. DO NOT let seller warm up the car. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than a few seconds indicates timing chain/tensioner issues.
Test drive - hesitation
Pull away from standstill in 1st and 2nd gear. Feel for hesitation/juddering between 1500-2000 rpm. This is common on 2.2 JTS but good to know severity. Can be fixed with remap.
Test drive - gearbox
Minimum 30 minutes. Drive in 5th and 6th gear at motorway speeds (80-120 km/h). Listen for whining that comes and goes as you press and release accelerator. Any whining indicates M32 bearing wear.
Specific for this vehicle
Timing chain rattle on cold start
Most critical check. Start completely cold engine. Listen for any rattling from timing area for first 30-60 seconds. Rattle indicates stretched chain, worn tensioner, or guide wear. Walk away if significant rattle present.
Check for P0016 fault code
Ask seller to scan for fault codes. P0016 (camshaft position correlation) is very common on 2.2 JTS and often indicates stretched timing chain or failed variator solenoids.
M32 gearbox whine in 5th/6th
Drive at 70-80 km/h in 5th, then 100-120 km/h in 6th. Listen for whining noise that changes as you press/release throttle. Check gear lever for downward movement in 1st and 5th gear (same shaft). Any whine = bearing wear.
Power steering pump and rack
Test when cold AND hot. Turn steering wheel at standstill and low speeds. Listen for whining, moaning, creaking, knocking. Check reservoir for frothing. Verify green GI/R fluid, not red GI/E. Pre-2009 cars higher risk.
Front suspension knocking and rattles
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Listen for knocking from front suspension. Test drop links by rocking car side to side. Check for play in upper and lower control arm bushes. Rattles difficult to pinpoint - could be wishbones.
Check engine warning lights
Any check engine light could indicate simple sensor issue or highlight camshaft solenoid, timing chain, or swirl flap problems. Scan all fault codes before purchase. Don't accept "it's just a sensor" without verification.
Swirl flap operation
If car shows very poor power (barely reaches 50 mph) or has engine management light, swirl flaps may be jammed. Ask about any previous manifold work or swirl flap delete.
Oil condition and service sticker
Check oil on dipstick. Black sludgy oil indicates infrequent changes - red flag for timing chain health. Look at service sticker - if oil changes done at factory 18,000-21,000 mile intervals, timing chain likely compromised.
Starting after standing
If possible, test starting after car has stood for 24+ hours without being started. Common issue: won't start first try after resting for a day or two. Could indicate fuel system or injector issues.
Paint condition (especially red cars)
Red 159s have notorious paint issues. Inspect for stone chips on wheel arches, front bumper, and bonnet. Use any paint damage to negotiate discount.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
No major recalls found specific to 2.2 JTSCheck with VIN
Timing chain stretch - not officially acknowledgedKnown issue, no recall
Power steering fluid change (2009)TSB - verify green GI/R fluid
Contact Alfa Romeo or Stellantis dealer with VIN to verify any outstanding recalls. The timing chain issue is well-documented in owner forums but Alfa Romeo UK reportedly does not officially acknowledge it as a defect. The power steering fluid change from red GI/E to green GI/R in 2009 was a significant improvement - verify 2009+ cars have green fluid.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all 2005-2011 models
Extended warranty availabilityThird-party only - MotorEasy, etc.
All Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS models (2005-2011) are well outside factory warranty period. Official Mopar extended warranties through Alfa Romeo/Stellantis may not be available for discontinued models. Third-party warranty providers like MotorEasy (UK), Warranty Direct, or European equivalents offer coverage for cars under 125,000 miles. Extended warranty typically costs €850-1,500 per year for 12-24 month terms. Read exclusions carefully - timing chain, clutch, and wear items often not covered.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.