Used car guide

2010 Alfa Romeo 159: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Alfa Romeo 159s, from 581 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

581MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%)
7,800typical miles a year
2.5×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 Alfa Romeo 159s than on all cars registered in 2010.

  • Engine oil leaks2.5× usual
    Alfa Romeo 159
    25.8% All 2010 cars
    10.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.9× usual
    Alfa Romeo 159
    6% All 2010 cars
    2.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.9% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    34% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    34% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    27% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    25% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009607Suspension 43%
2008524Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Alfa Romeo 159s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score