Alfa Romeo 159
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 7 model years from 7,379 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests
7,379
Highest Pass Rate
2012 (76%)
Years Covered
7
About the Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 was MOT tested 7,379 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 7 model years (2006 to 2012), with an average pass rate of 71%. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 149 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 67%. The 9 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
Newer Alfa Romeo 159s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2006) averages 120,657 miles, while the newest (2012) averages 100,949 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%, the 159 is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Alfa Romeo models.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2012 detailsHow reliable is the Alfa Romeo 159?
Alfa Romeo 159 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Alfa Romeo 159
Is the Alfa Romeo 159 reliable?
Across its 7 model years in our data (2006 to 2012), the Alfa Romeo 159 averages a 71% MOT pass rate, from 7,379 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.
Which year Alfa Romeo 159 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 67%, a 9 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Alfa Romeo 159s more reliable?
Newer Alfa Romeo 159s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
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