Alfa Romeo 2.2 JTS
The 2.2-litre JTS with 185 hp is the entry petrol with sufficient power for the 159 and Brera. The direct injection delivers better throttle response than the MPI, and the 185 hp moves the heavy 159 adequately. In the Brera and Spider as the entry variant attractive — the Giugiaro design is available even with the smaller engine. Inlet valve carbonisation and oil dilution from direct injection remain the typical JTS concerns.
Brera 2.2 JTS — Beautiful and Lively
The beautiful Giugiaro coupe with 185 hp JTS: eager to rev, sonically fine, visually stunning. A naturally aspirated coupe with genuine Alfa soul.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 2.2 JTS uses direct injection, which means intake valves do not self-clean as they do with port injection. Deposits can form from around 80,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, power loss, misfires
Ignition coil failures are known on the 2.2 JTS and manifest as misfires. Fault code P0300–P0304 points to individual cylinders.
Symptoms: Misfires, engine stumbling, engine warning light
The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) of the 2.4 JTDm 20V (939A5) shows identical problems to 939A6: spring element wear, especially with short-trip driving. First failure can occur as early as 85,000 km. Sachs uprated kits as an alternative to OEM.
Symptoms: Idle vibrations, metallic judder when pulling away, rumbling noises during rev changes
The turbocharger actuator on the 2.4 JTDm sticks due to soot deposits between the actuator pin and VNT vane ring. Regular cleaning every 10,000–20,000 km with turbo cleaner is recommended. Also affects 939A6.
Symptoms: Delayed boost build-up, insufficient boost pressure, engine warning light, noticeable power loss in the mid-rev range
The 2.2 JTS tends towards elevated oil consumption from age-related valve stem seal failure. Consumption of 0.5–1 L/1,000 km is frequently documented. Regular oil level checks are essential, as engine damage through oil starvation is possible.
Symptoms: Elevated oil consumption, bluish smoke on start and during load changes, oil smell in exhaust gas
The cam phaser solenoids (P0013/P0014) become contaminated or fail electrically. An oil change can temporarily clear the fault, but the solenoid must be replaced. Ideally both solenoids are changed at the same time.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P0013/P0014, sluggish throttle response, power loss in the lower rev range, poor cold running
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.