Alfa Romeo Spider 916 916
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Hood leaks and rear window clouded The soft-top on the Spider 916 rarely seals completely. The plastic rear window clouds quickly and reduces rearward visibility. The electric hood closing system does not always operate reliably. A new hood costs approximately 3,000 €. Symptoms: Damp cabin after rain, clouded rear window, hood closes jerkily or not at all from 80,000 km | High | |
| Water ingress in footwell from blocked scuttle drains Blocked drain channels in the scuttle panel below the windscreen direct rainwater into the footwell. Leaves and dirt block the drain pipes. In heavy rain, water runs into the passenger footwell blower. Symptoms: Wet footwell carpet after rain, damp pollen filter, musty smells inside, window fogging from 90,000 km | Low | |
| Plastic gear in hood lid motor breaks The plastic gear in the hood lid motor loses teeth from wear and incorrect Bowden cable tension. The motor is no longer available as a new part. Aluminium replacement gears exist only for the older version. Symptoms: Hood lid no longer opens or closes, motor noise without lid movement. from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Hydraulic cylinders and lines of the electric hood leaking The external hydraulic cylinders (60616758/60616759) develop leaks. Often only the hose at the crimp fitting has split. Specialist fluid Tutela GI/R is prescribed. Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaking at the side of the fifth bow, hood closes slowly or stalls. from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Plastic rear window clouds; hood never fully watertight The plastic rear window turns milky after a few years. In addition the hood is by design never completely watertight — particularly at the upper corners of the side windows (a factory cutting error). Symptoms: Heavily clouded rear window, water marks inside after rain, moisture in the footwell. | High | |
| Bowden cable over-tension damages hood mechanism Incorrectly tensioned Bowden cables place extreme stress on gears and microswitches. The hooks need exactly 1 mm of play to the stop. Symptoms: Unpleasant noise when closing, fifth bow stops mid-travel, hood lid does not open fully. from 60,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Mercedes-Benz SLK R171
Cabrio/Roadster (2004–2011)
MINI MINI R52
Cabrio/Roadster (2004–2008)
Porsche Boxster 987
Cabrio/Roadster (2004–2012)
Smart Roadster 452
Cabrio/Roadster (2003–2007)
BMW Z4 E85
Cabrio/Roadster (2002–2008)
Mercedes-Benz SL R230
Cabrio/Roadster (2001–2012)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Alfa Romeo Spider 916 916 (1995–2006). Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Rust, Steering.
What to watch out for with the Alfa Romeo Spider 916? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Alfa Romeo Spider 916 916 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Alfa Romeo Spider 916 916? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Is the Alfa Romeo Spider 916 916 worth buying used? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee