2001 Alfa Romeo 147 TS 5 Door from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

The key keeps falling off the key ring (removable - what a dumb idea!!)

Loose speaker wire behind glove box.

Rubber strip under front spoiler fell off.

False warnings about lights.

Questionable oil consumption.

Rattle from RH door lock mechanism (seems common)

Faulty relays (high beam & fog lights)

Cracked heat shield (seems very common)

Loose exhaust joint.

Grinds when selecting reverse.

Coolant leak (loose hose)

Car looks good, goes well and is very comfortable and well equipped.

Could do with a bit more go, but I am just greedy - a 5 door GTA would do the trick nicely.

I was worried about early build quality because mine was the first delivered in Oz, and so far I have been right. The list of items are minor, but it has taken 6 trips to the dealer in just over 12 months to get them fixed.

I stayed a long way away from the Selespeed - nice to play with, but I wouldn't own one from what I have heard.

Another update to the list of faults. First heavy rain in several months (we're in the middle of a drought) and the floor has a puddle of water on it. Reminds me of my 1979 Alfasud, probably means it's time to go and find something else to drive.

I have a few faults which seem to be common as well. I have a 1.6L 147. Year 2002. Steering makes a strange noise when I start-up. Rear window washer has stopped working. Driver seat - Threads wearing on it. Getting a Rear Foglight Failure message (Foglight works!). Sometimes (Once a week) I find it very difficult go put the car into 4th and 5th gear. Very frustrating as the dealer doesn't seem interested in fixing the problems. Does anybody know if the seat covers are covered by the warranty?

I own a 2002 1.6 Distinctive and have experienced some problems as well - namely, cracked heat guard (indeed it is common), rattling from the rear hatch lock (the dealer made an attempt to fix the problem, but did not succeed so I fixed the problem myself), worn out reverse and first gears (will be replaced under warranty), loose sounding rear suspension (the dealer has failed to identify and rectify problem).

Another update:

The water leak was fixed, found to be a 3 inch gap in sealant on the firewall/bulkhead joint. The wipers weren't put back on properly by the dealer, so I took it back. They fixed one of them, I gave up and decided to do the other myself.

The heat shield was replaced, but it didn't fix the problem. It turned out to be a exhaust bracket right near the engine. Sounded like a loose fan belt.

The car is now trouble free for the first time since I have owned it.

I have a 2003 alfa 147 jtd lusso. just recently I noticed a squeeking noise which appears to be from the front suspension. I am very worried, does anyone know anything about this?

I had a similar problem with mine. Check the steering fluid level. Top it up and watch for leakage.

I am currently experiencing a couple of problems with my Alfa 147 1.6 T.spark. My front windscreen wipers do not reactivate after I cancel, (they only activate again when I turn the engine off and restart), I do not have a rain sensor fitted. Is it an electrical relay problem/computer? Rear fog light failure alarm displays too, but it works! any suggestions?