1994 Alfa romeo 164 problems

General information about Alfa romeo-164
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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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Common 1994 Alfa romeo 164 problems

The Alfa Romeo 164, produced in 1994, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues are related to the engine, brakes, and other components of the vehicle.

One of the most common problems with the Alfa Romeo 164 is related to the engine's valve tappets and camshafts. The overhead cams on the Alfa engines are prone to wear and tear, particularly on high-mileage vehicles. The valve tappets and camshafts can become worn out, leading to a noisy engine and reduced performance.

Another common issue with the Alfa Romeo 164 is the fuel odor smell in the car. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a damaged fuel tank, a faulty fuel injector, or a leaking fuel pressure regulator. In some cases, the fuel odor smell can be caused by a faulty fuel pump or a damaged fuel line. If the fuel odor smell is strong, it is essential to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and address the root cause of the problem.

The Alfa Romeo 164 is also known for its appetite for motor mounts, front brake pads, and oil. The motor mounts can become worn out over time, leading to a noisy and rough ride. The front brake pads can wear out quickly, particularly if the vehicle is driven aggressively or in stop-and-go traffic. Regular maintenance, including changing the oil and replacing the motor mounts and brake pads, is essential to keep the Alfa Romeo 164 running smoothly.

In addition to these common problems, the Alfa Romeo 164 is also known for its complex electrical systems. The vehicle features a range of electronic systems, including anti-lock brakes, lane-keeping assist, and traction control. These systems can be prone to failure, particularly if they are not properly maintained. If the anti-lock brake light comes on, it is essential to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and address the root cause of the problem.

In summary, the Alfa Romeo 164 is known for several common problems, including engine issues, fuel odor smells, and complex electrical systems. Regular maintenance, including changing the oil and replacing the motor mounts and brake pads, is essential to keep the vehicle running smoothly. If any warning lights come on or if the vehicle exhibits any unusual symptoms, it is essential to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and address the root cause of the problem.

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.

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.

Is Alfa Romeo a premium brand?

Alfa Romeo has taken the top of the podium among premium brands, and came third in the industry. Year-on-year, Alfa Romeo climbed as many as 24 positions in 2023 – the best performance in terms of growth in last year's IQS.

1994 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:

Visibility problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Alfa romeo 164 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1994 Alfa romeo 164 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Alfa romeo 164.

2000-08-02

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-08-02
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

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1999-07-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
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

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Alfa romeo 164 problems:

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

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/what-can-you-tell-me-about-alfa-164s.440370/

This is my second Alfa Romeo, the first one being a Milano 2.5. The 164 LS has overall bettter quality components and much of the interior and ...

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.