Alfa Romeo 2.0 JTDM
The 2.0-litre JTDM with 163–170 hp replaces the old 1.9 JTD as the new volume diesel. Less displacement than the five-cylinder, but lighter and more frugal. Multijet II injection for improved emissions and smoother running. In the 159, Brera and Spider the most sensible diesel choice — enough power for daily use, lower running costs than the five-cylinder.
Brera 2.0 JTDM — Elegant Diesel
170 hp diesel in the Giugiaro coupe: sounds like a compromise, drives brilliantly. The beautiful design justifies even the diesel in the Brera.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Like all JTDM engines on the 939 platform, the 2.0 JTDM tends to have the intake manifold coked by the EGR system. Swirl flaps can break.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke, limp mode, swirl flap risk
The VTG turbocharger on the 2.0 JTDM clogs with soot deposits. Vane ring jamming leads to power loss.
Symptoms: Power loss, unstable boost pressure, engine warning light
Identical to 939B1: the O-ring gasket between oil pump and oil sump flange of the 2.0 JTDm 170 hp (939B3) hardens and loses its seal. Brief oil pressure warning after cold start. Aluminium O-ring as permanent fix. Replace at the same time as the timing belt.
Symptoms: Brief oil pressure warning after cold start (~3 sec), then normal oil pressure
The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) of the 2.0 JTDm 939B3 (170 hp) wears like all JTDm derivatives. Higher torque and short-trip driving accelerate wear. Total dealer cost approximately 2,700 €.
Symptoms: Vibrations when pulling away, judder during rev changes, noises at idle
The swirl flaps of the 2.0 JTDm 939B3 share the well-known JTDm weakness. EGR soot deposits on flaps and linkage bush wear are the most common triggers. Blanking kit recommended.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P2279, power loss, stumbling, smoke
The EGR cooler on the 2.0 JTDM develops cracks in the core, allowing coolant into the EGR path and causing white smoke. A common temporary fix is deactivating the EGR cooler, but this violates emissions regulations.
Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant level dropping with no visible external leak, engine warning light with EGR fault
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
Front and rear subframes rust without adequate corrosion protection. Rust on front wings and sills is an exclusion criterion when buying. Front and rear subframes can show significant rust that is expensive to repair.
The M32 gearbox (Fiat/GM design) develops bearing noise in 5th and 6th gear from around 100,000 km due to excessive bearing preload. The small bearing behind 6th gear wears preferentially. Gearbox overhaul without removal costs approximately 1,100 €.
Front and rear subframes rust through due to inadequate factory underbody sealing. The plastic undertray traps moisture. After 6–10 years structural corrosion is often found on the subframes and ECU brackets.
The M32 six-speed gearbox (shared with Opel/Fiat) has undersized bearings in the cover for 5th and 6th gear. From approx. 80,000–110,000 km the gearbox howls at motorway speeds. Without repair, total failure is likely.
The steering rack on early Brera models (up to 2007) leaks and produces knocking and squealing noises. Front upper and lower wishbone joints wear early and announce themselves with creaking. Revised from the 2008 model year.
The 939 Spider boot takes on water after prolonged rain. A leaking hood compartment seal and porous rear seals allow ingress. Boot wiring loom can be damaged by moisture.
On the Brera 939 the air conditioning compressor develops a loud circular-saw noise from the engine bay when the compressor bearing wears. Refrigerant leaks accelerate bearing wear. Compressor replacement including system flush for metal swarf is required: 600–1,200 €.
On the Brera 939 rear springs can break, especially on vehicles driven heavily on poor roads. In addition, front upper and lower wishbones wear. Broken springs are a safety hazard and result in immediate MOT failure.
The Brera's tail lights take on moisture, leading to short circuits and bulb failure. Expensive to replace at approximately 450 € per unit. Checking the seals when buying a used example is advisable.
Rear lights on the 939 Spider draw in moisture through hairline cracks in the seal between the outer lens and housing. Condensation collects inside the light unit and causes corrosion of the sockets and short circuits.
The electric seat adjustment on the Brera 939 fails. The seat adjustment motor or drive mechanism wears out. Spare parts are hard to find for this discontinued model. Repair by specialists or used parts is recommended.
The brake discs on the Brera 939 (especially rarely driven examples) rust quickly and develop deep scoring from embedded rust. Ventilated sport discs rust particularly badly on their flanks. Typical on used cars with low usage.
Reports & Tests
The Brera shares its platform and many weak points with the 159. Rust on the front crossmember due to dirt accumulation between the seal and the component is a known issue, as are electrical failures and steering rack leaks on early build years up to 2007.