Used Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon 1997 - 2006 reliability
Category: Estate car
It's a sleek-looking estate with great engines that really puts a smile on your face
What should I look for in a used Alfa Romeo 156 estate?
Alfa Romeo have a reputation for being less than reliable, and the 156 Sportwagon does nothing to dispel this. Data from Warranty Direct shows that plenty of 156s have required repairs, with the axles and suspension the weakest points, followed by the engine and electrics.
The 156 has fared poorly in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, too – owners awarded low scores for mechanical reliability, build quality and dealer service, while some complained of costly and numerous repairs.
Check that recall work has been carried out; two recalls involved problems with the brake pipe connector and chafing of the brake pipe on the cable bracket. V6 models were recalled over concerns of a possible risk of fire and power steering failure, while GTA models were also recalled to check for potential loosening of the front suspension and fuel leaks.
