Alfa Romeo 0.9 TwinAir
The 85 hp version of the TwinAir two-cylinder without a turbo — noticeably tamer than the 105 hp turbo variant but with the same characteristic two-cylinder sound. Designed for city driving, at its limits on the motorway. Simpler mechanically than the turbo version, more frugal in real-world consumption.
Two cylinders, modest ambitions
85 hp from two cylinders — the sound is cult, the power is enough for the city. Anyone wanting the TwinAir is better off with the 105 hp version.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Identical chain drive issue as the 105 hp TwinAir. Timing chain often fails before 100,000 km. Tensioner and guide rails are contributing factors.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, audible chain slap in the morning, power loss with prolonged rattling.
Mitsubishi TD02V turbocharger suffers particularly badly from incorrect engine oil. Only 0W-30 is approved — cheap oils significantly accelerate turbine wear.
Symptoms: Power deficit at low rpm, whistling noise, blue smoke at start.
UniAir unit clogs with long oil change intervals. Alfa recommended 30,000 km — too long. Oil change every 10,000 km strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling at standstill, sporadic power weakness, increased consumption.
The TwinAir uses an electronically controlled variable water pump that is more expensive than conventional pumps and can fail earlier. Pump failure quickly leads to overheating of the 2-cylinder engine, which is particularly sensitive to heat.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge rises rapidly, coolant warning light, overheating alarm, no heating output
The 0.9 TwinAir 85 hp tends to increased oil consumption due to piston ring wear or a leaking MultiAir system. Oil consumption of 0.5–1 l/1,000 km is documented in forums. Regular oil level checks are essential on this engine.
Symptoms: Increased oil consumption, bluish smoke on cold start and load changes, oil smell, rapidly falling oil level
Ignition coil failures are known on the 0.9 TwinAir 85 hp in the Giulietta, causing misfires. Since the engine has only 2 cylinders, a misfire is more noticeable than in a multi-cylinder unit. The coil can be diagnosed by swapping it between cylinders.
Symptoms: Severe misfires and hesitation, MIL with misfire fault code, power drop, rough idle
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
Fault in the airbag propellant system: the second stage may fail to fire or not deploy in a crash. Affects vehicles from September 2010 to December 2015. Have a dealer check the vehicle.
Rear brake callipers seize from corrosion, especially on vehicles that are rarely braked hard. Brake pistons rust from salt ingress; brake discs rust up extremely quickly due to high iron content.
Front axle joints wear prematurely, especially on higher-powered variants. MOT inspectors frequently flag failed joints. Steering play and oil loss are also recurring MOT defects.
Air conditioning loses refrigerant or the compressor fails. The condenser is damaged by stone impacts. Refrigerant top-up is a common procedure on vehicles over 100,000 km. Repair is labour-intensive.
Moisture enters the cabin through leaking windscreen seals or blocked air conditioning drain hoses. Passenger footwell is particularly affected. Risk of mould if water ingress goes undetected.
The air conditioning compressor loses performance early or fails completely. The condenser is damaged by stone impacts and loses refrigerant. Repair is expensive, especially compressor replacement.
Water enters through a leaking windscreen seal or blocked air conditioning drain hoses into the passenger footwell. Moisture can damage control units under the carpet.
Strut top mounts, drop links and rear wheel bearings are known but inexpensive weaknesses on the MiTo. Front axle joints also show early wear. Parts are readily available — repairs are cost-effective.
Weld seams on the bonnet, tailgate and doors were poorly pre-treated — paint peels and rust sets in. Typical around the tailgate badge area. A cosmetic issue that requires extensive paint repair.
Tail lights take on moisture, causing bulb failures and contact corrosion. A known issue on older examples. Seal checks and optionally a desiccant pack as preventive measures.
Dashboard and interior trims develop pronounced creaking and rattling at higher mileage. Seat backrest adjustment fails occasionally. A typical long-term problem that reduces value.
Central locking, windows and small control units can fail through faulty relays, blown fuses or cable breaks in the tailgate hinge area. Earth points are a known weakness on older examples.
The front anti-roll bar drop links and axle joints wear prematurely. Regularly flagged at MOT inspections. Inexpensive repair but frequently recurring.
Central locking, electric windows and small control units fail through faulty relays or broken cables in the tailgate hinge area. Cable breaks occur from bending during opening.