Used buying checklist
Alfa Romeo 156 reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Alfa Romeo 156 looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 27.2% of 1,806 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 27.2% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 100,325 miles
- 491 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (65.5 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded and seriously weakened, prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength, and corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded and seriously weakened
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting
- leaking excessively from engine
- has a major leak of exhaust gases
- emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit
- emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
- ball joint excessively worn
- across an axle
Focus on corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering
The model's recorded failure rate is 27.2%, +8.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed1,806 tests
- Median tested mileage100,325 miles
- Failed MOT tests491
Should you buy a used Alfa Romeo 156?
72.8% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 27.2%, +8.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "corroded and seriously weakened"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (65.5 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 156, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 10-15 years to 27.2% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (65.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (29.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (26.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (21.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (9.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 156, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (65.5 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Alfa Romeo 156 mainly involve 4 areas: brakes, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 156, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 152 | 120 | 20.4%+9.6 percentage points vs all models | 41,705 miles |
| 50-100k | 729 | 565 | 23.3%+2.6 percentage points vs all models | 77,312 miles |
| 100-150k | 651 | 475 | 31.2%+5.0 percentage points vs all models | 120,468 miles |
| 150-200k | 207 | 147 | 34.3%+7.0 percentage points vs all models | 167,072 miles |
| 200k+ | 33 | 22 | 36.4%+9.8 percentage points vs all models | 226,112 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 156, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 10-15 years to 27.2% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 27.2% for 15+ years cars, based on 1,803 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
3 | 3 | 0.0%-23.5 percentage points vs all models | 11.9 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
1,803 | 1,331 | 27.2%+1.3 percentage points vs all models | 20.1 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2006-10-30 | POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE BAY FIRE It has been identified that on a small number of vehicles the possibility exists there may be a short circuit situation within the engine additional heater system during the warm up period which could lead to a fire within the engine compartment. Recalled vehicles will have the electrical supply to the additional heater modified; in order to avoid the possibility of the short circuit occurring. |
|---|---|
| 2004-04-05 | POSSIBLE RISK OF FIRE AND LOSS OF POWER ASSISTED STEERING There is a possibility that the high pressure power steering pipe may contact the exhaust downpipe which may result in a risk of fire and loss of power steering assistance. Recall affected vehicles check pipe for contact with exhaust and fit extra retaining bracket to power assisted steering pipe. |
| 2004-01-26 | BRAKE PIPE MAY CHAFE ON PAS PIPE MOUNTING BRACKET The fitting of an incorrect connector between the brake pipe and the master cylinder may cause the brake pipe to chafe on a power steering pipe support bracket. In the worst case this could result in a fluid leak and a reduction in braking efficiency. Replace the connector brake pipe and seals. |
| 2003-08-11 | LOOSENING OF FRONT SUSPENSION Gradual loosening of the front suspension may result in noise and deterioration of the suspension and handling characteristics. Replace the original equipment front suspension reinforcing plates and fasteners with modified components. |
| 2002-10-04 | BRAKE PIPE MAY CHAFE ON CABLE BRACKET The metal brake pipe between the master cylinder and the ABS unit may chafe on a cable bracket. A seriously damaged brake pipe will reduce the braking efficiency. Check brake pipe condition and clearances. Renew any damaged pipes. |
| 2002-08-02 | POTENTIAL FUEL LEAK The fuel delivery pipe from the pump may due to engine movement become strained at its connection to the injector rail. This could result in a fuel leak. Fit two additional support clips to the fuel delivery pipe. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Alfa Romeo 156. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Alfa Romeo reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.