Alfa romeo 164 problems
The Alfa Romeo 164 (Type 164) is a four-door executive saloon manufactured and marketed by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998, styled by Pininfarina, and cooperatively designed and sharing platforms and numerous elements with the Fiat Croma, Saab 9000 and Lancia Thema.
Predecessors of the 164 were the Alfa 90 and the luxurious Alfa 6. The 164 was followed by the 166 in 1998, after a combined production total of 273,857 units.
Development
In October 1978, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia and Saab jointly agreed to each develop an executive saloon based on their shared Type Four platform ("Tipo 4" in Italian), to eventually compete against the likes of the Ford Granada and Opel Rekord (Vauxhall Carlton) as well as more premium saloons by BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the form of the 5 Series and E-Class, respectively.
Project 164 started life as Project 156 (not to be confused with Alfa Romeo 156) and was completed in 1981, then still under Alfa Romeo. A year later, that project morphed into the 164 based on the Type Four platform. The new model was styled by Enrico Fumia of Pininfarina, with a wedge shape yielding it a drag coefficient of Cd=0.30. The design would later influence the rest of the Alfa Romeo range (starting in 1990 with the major redesign of the 33 and culminating with the 155.
Ultimately unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 164 was the last model to be developed while the Alfa Romeo was still a fully independent company, and was formally launched a few months after the takeover by Fiat.
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Alfa romeo 164 model years
Common Alfa romeo 164 problems
The Alfa Romeo 164, a car known for its style and performance, has some common problems that owners have reported. These issues are primarily related to the engine and the drivetrain.
One of the most common problems is related to the valve tappets and camshafts in the Alfa engines with overhead cams. These components tend to wear out, especially in engines with high mileage, leading to a decrease in engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Another issue reported by Alfa Romeo 164 owners is related to the oil level/pressure sensors. The oil level light on the dashboard may be always on, regardless of whether the engine is cold or warm. This could be due to a faulty sensor, which may not accurately reflect the actual oil level in the engine. Additionally, the oil pressure gauge may show strange readings, such as zero pressure at idle, which could indicate a problem with the oil pressure system.
A distinct clattering or rattling sound from somewhere under the valve cover is another common problem reported by Alfa Romeo 164 owners. This sound may be present in both cold and warm engines, and it may be caused by timing chain problems or other more serious issues.
Finally, some Alfa Romeo 164 owners have reported a grinding or rattling noise from somewhere in front of the car. This noise may only occur in a specific rpm range, such as 2000-2200 rpm, and it may be heard both inside and outside the car. This issue may be caused by a problem with the drivetrain or other components in the front of the car.
In summary, the Alfa Romeo 164 is known for its style and performance, but it also has some common problems that owners have reported. These issues are primarily related to the engine and the drivetrain, and they may require professional diagnosis and repair.
Are Alfa 164s reliable?
All engines are tough and reliable if looked after, so service history is essential if the price is high. The Twin Spark has a timing chain which can rattle, but replacement is simple. The timing belt replacement on the V6 is not so easy due to limited access and special tools needed.
What is the most common problem with the Alfa Romeo?
By understanding these problems, potential owners can make informed decisions and take necessary precautions.
- Electrical Problems. ...
- Engine Misfires. ...
- Anti-Lock Brake Failure. ...
- Failing Rear Brake Discs. ...
- Fuel Leaks and Fire Risk. ...
- Other Common Alfa Romeo Giulia Problems. ...
- Reliability of the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
What is the top speed of the Alfa Romeo 164?
Rated at 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp), with this engine, the 164 had a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).
Why not to get a Alfa Romeo?
There are a few reasons why Alfa Romeos are considered unreliable. According to Reliability Index, one of the main problems falls to the Axle and Suspension. This accounts for 25.91% of all faults. Electrical faults come in second with 18.13% of the faults.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Alfa romeo 164 years
We have researched Alfa romeo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Alfa romeo 164 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Alfa romeo 164 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Alfa romeo 164 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Alfa romeo 164 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Alfa romeo 164 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Alfa romeo 164 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Alfa romeo 164 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 164 model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Alfa romeo 164 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Alfa romeo 164 vehicles.
List of Alfa romeo 164 complaints
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-13
- VIN: ZAREA43L2M6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPS FROM 3RD TO 4TH (AUTOMATIC) WHEN COLD,IS THIS A WELL KOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR? THANKS IN ADVANCE. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-08-03
- VIN: ZARED43E5S6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT WENT OUT, AT $2500 A POP, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-02
- Date Complaint: 2000-08-02
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1999
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-10
- Date Complaint: 1999-09-29
- VIN: ZAREA43L6P6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 96V14000. CONTACTED DEALER & HAD REPAIRS DONE. THE RECALL REMEDY HAD FAILED. SMELLED FUEL ODOR INSIDE VEHICLE AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE STOPPING POWER IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. BRAKE PEDAL IS HIGH AND VERY HARD WHEN APPLIED, IT TAKES 1 TO 2 SECONDS BEFORE THE PEDAL RESPONDS, AND GETS SOFT ENOUGH TO PUSH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACED. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-04
- Date Complaint: 1997-12-19
- VIN: ZAREA43AXM6
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: OTHER: ATTEMPTED TO RESET COMPUTER TO NO AVAIL. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-23
- Date Complaint: 1997-12-03
- VIN: ZAREA43AXM6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT WHEN ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED/WOULD NOT SHIFT EVEN IF SHIFTED MANUALLY. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-10-29
- VIN: CAREA43AXM6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION ABOUT 42 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT TOO EARLY AND WHEN THE GAS WAS APPLIED IT WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL, HAD TO SHIFT MANUALLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE IN DETAIL. *AK
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-15
- Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS FUMES ENTERING PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT DUE TO LOOSE CLAMPS AROUND THE GAS TANK.
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-15
- Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
- Summary: SUSPENSION PROBLEM, CAUSING TIRES TO WEAR UNEVENLY.
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
- Date Complaint: 1995-12-01
- VIN: ZAREA43A5M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS HAVE FAILED, SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT RELEASE. TT
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1992-06-01
- Date Complaint: 1995-08-14
- VIN: ZAREA43L1M6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. *SD
Alfa romeo 164 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
- Date Complaint: 1995-03-10
- VIN: ZAREA43L4P6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONTINUOUSLY SHORT CIRCUITS, ALSO SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE OF VEHICLE TWICE. *SKD
Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-05
- Date Complaint: 1995-01-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: ZAREA43L6M6
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STARTED VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE SUDDENLY IT SURGED HIT TWO CARS CROSSED THE HIGHWAY HIT AN EMBANKMENT AND FLIPPED OVER. TT
Recalls Alfa romeo 164
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Alfa romeo 164.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Report Received Date: 1996-07-23
- Manufacturer: ALFA ROMEO, INCORPORATED
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: THE RUBBER FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK.
- Consequence: IF FUEL LEAKAGE OCCURS AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE.
- Model: Alfa romeo 164 1993
- Report Received Date: 1996-07-23
- Manufacturer: ALFA ROMEO, INCORPORATED
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: THE RUBBER FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK.
- Consequence: IF FUEL LEAKAGE OCCURS AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE.
- Model: Alfa romeo 164 1995
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-01
- Manufacturer: ALFA ROMEO, INCORPORATED
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT CAUTION LABEL WAS NOT PLACED ON THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WARNING LABEL ON THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR.
- Model: Alfa romeo 164 1991
- Report Received Date: 1991-01-14
- Manufacturer: ALFA ROMEO, INCORPORATED
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: HEADLIGHT SWITCH COULD MALFUNCTION CAUSING SUDDEN HIGH BEAMS FAILURE.
- Consequence: SUDDEN HIGH BEAMS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHTS SWITCH.
Are you having problems with your Alfa romeo 164?
