1991 Alfa romeo 164 problems

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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.

1991 Alfa romeo 164

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Common 1991 Alfa romeo 164 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1991 Alfa Romeo 164, several common problems have been identified:

  1. Electrical Problems: Owners have reported various electrical issues, which can manifest as malfunctions in the car's electrical systems, affecting components like lights, windows, and the dashboard.
  2. Brake System Issues: Complaints include rapid brake pad wear, potentially leading to frequent replacements, and concerns about brake performance and longevity.
  3. Cooling System Problems: Issues related to the cooling system have been noted, such as coolant leaks, overheating, and potential failures in components like the radiator or water pump.
  4. Engine Overheating: Specifically for the first-generation models (1987-1991), engine overheating has been a recurring problem, which can be caused by issues with the cooling system or engine components.
  5. Transmission Issues: Owners have reported transmission problems, which can include slipping, rough shifting, or complete transmission failure, impacting the car's drivability.
  6. Suspension Problems: Complaints about suspension issues involve components like shocks, struts, and control arms, affecting the car's handling, ride comfort, and overall stability.
  7. Oil Consumption Issues: Some models with the 2.0-liter Twin Spark engine have been reported to experience excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  8. Timing Belt Problems: Concerns about timing belt failures have been raised, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
  9. Fuel Pump Failures: Owners have encountered issues with the fuel pump, leading to fuel delivery problems, poor engine performance, and potential stalling while driving.
  10. Rust Issues: Rust problems have been noted, particularly in areas prone to corrosion, which can affect the car's structural integrity and overall appearance.

These common problems with the 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt attention to issues, and potentially upgrading or replacing parts to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

1991 Alfa romeo 164 engine

Are Alfa Romeo 164 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?

One of the most notorious issues plaguing the Alfa Romeo Giulia is related to its electrical system. Many owners have reported a series of common faults that lead to various problems. For instance, some Giulia owners have experienced sudden shutdowns of their vehicles, with no warning signs or ability to restart.

Is Alfa Romeo a reliable Car?

The survey awarded Alfa Romeo with a fifth place overall reliability out of a total of 32 manufacturers, outperforming well-known 'safe' brands like Honda and Subaru, as well as more prestige ones like Audi, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

What is the top speed of the Alfa Romeo 164?

340 km/h

Weighing only 750 kg (1,653 lb), the 164 Pro-Car achieved a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph) and had a quarter mile time of 9.7 seconds.

1991 Alfa romeo 164 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Alfa romeo 164 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Alfa romeo 164 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Alfa romeo 164 complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Alfa romeo 164.

2002-01-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • 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
1997-12-19

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-04
  • VIN: ZAREA43AXM6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: OTHER: ATTEMPTED TO RESET COMPUTER TO NO AVAIL. *AK
1997-12-03

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-23
  • VIN: ZAREA43AXM6
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT WHEN ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED/WOULD NOT SHIFT EVEN IF SHIFTED MANUALLY. *AK
1996-10-29

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • 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
1996-08-19

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-15
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: GAS FUMES ENTERING PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT DUE TO LOOSE CLAMPS AROUND THE GAS TANK.
1996-08-19

SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-15
  • Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
  • Summary: SUSPENSION PROBLEM, CAUSING TIRES TO WEAR UNEVENLY.
1995-12-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 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
1995-08-14

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-06-01
  • VIN: ZAREA43L1M6
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. *SD
1995-01-05

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 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

1991 Alfa romeo 164 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Alfa romeo 164.

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.
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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Alfa romeo 164 problems:

Common 164 Problems | Alfa Romeo Forums
Common 164 Problems | Alfa Romeo Forums
https://www.alfabb.com/threads/common-164-problems.39834/

Apr 2, 2007 ... The ones to the fuel rail on the top of the engine, the ones behind the power steering pump (2 short ones). Also the fuel filler in the P/S ...

What can you tell me about Alfa 164's? | FerrariChat
What can you tell me about Alfa 164's? | FerrariChat
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/what-can-you-tell-me-about-alfa-164s.440370/

I came across a 1991 Alfa ... I had an Alfa Romeo Milano, and I loved the thing. ... Also the Bosch air flow meter and ECU cause alot of problems(I ...

My Take on Buying a 164S | Alfa Romeo Forums
My Take on Buying a 164S | Alfa Romeo Forums
https://www.alfabb.com/threads/my-take-on-buying-a-164s.189340/

Dec 8, 2011 ... I have my car now for several months and have been working through many of the common faults to 164s and fixing the buffoonery of previous ...

Alfa's V-6 Bargain - 1991-95 Alfa Romeo 164 | Hemmings
Alfa's V-6 Bargain - 1991-95 Alfa Romeo 164 | Hemmings
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/alfas-v-6-bargain-1991-95-alfa-romeo-164

Common problem areas inside are the LCD screens, which suffer from bad internal connections and can go dark over time, and the HVAC systems, which suffer from a ...

Diagnosis of Idle Faults in the 164 | Alfa Romeo Forums
Diagnosis of Idle Faults in the 164 | Alfa Romeo Forums
https://www.alfabb.com/threads/diagnosis-of-idle-faults-in-the-164.206282/

Feb 19, 2013 ... After working the idle fault on my "S," I thought it useful to write a comprehensive guide on the subject since it is such a common problem.

Other years of Alfa romeo 164

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alfa romeo 164 1991 photo
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1991 Alfa romeo 164 photo