Used Alfa Romeo 156 1997 - 2006 reliability
Category: Executive car
Looks and prices to please the soul, but the Alfa Romeo 156 is not very practical or dependable.
What should I look for in a used Alfa Romeo 156 saloon?
Alfas have a reputation for being less than reliable, and the 156 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.
