Recalls: Alfa Romeo Mk.1 Spider
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Alfa Romeo Mk.1 Spider
- In February 2000, a recall was issued for 2.0 Twin Spark variants for possible brake failure resulting from the plastic connector clip from the brake fluid reservoir tank entering the master cylinder and potentially causing the cylinder to crack and slowly leak brake fluid (PRA 2000/4245).
- In September 2006, a recall was issued due to a malfunction of the wiring in the switch controlling the outer rear view mirrors, which could cause high resistance or short circuiting. This, in turn, could cause a fire in the switch (PRA 2006/8759).
Problems and faults: Alfa Romeo Mk.1 Spider
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Twin Spark engine: cam belt failure and change interval
For the 2.0 Twin Spark engine, the timing belts were susceptible to failing prematurely and causing serious engine damage. In November 2006, the change over interval was changed from every 72,000 miles to 36,000 miles/60,000 kilometres, or every three years (whichever comes first). It is also recommended that the water pump be changed at the same time.
Twin Spark Engine: other problems and faults
- A fluctuating idle speed may be due to a malfunctioning idle actuator (which requires replacement), an air leak around the inlet manifold or the throttle cable may have been dislodged when cleaning the throttle body. For the latter, resetting the engine control unit (ECU) may be required to restore proper idle.
- A clattery or diesel-like idle on start up and reduced performance may be due to the variator – which regulates camshaft timing – failing. Models manufactured post-April 2000 were fitted with a more reliable variator.
Rear suspension
For Alfa Romeo Spider models with the Twin Spark engine, the rear suspension bushes were made from rubber and had a steel insert that could cause wear to the aluminium sub-frame, particularly on the rear arm – this may be heard as squeaking noises. In rare cases, the shock the subframe has required replacement.
For Alfa Romeo Spider models with V6 engines, the bushes were spherical joints rather than rubber bushes; squeaking noises from the bushes, however, requires the spring pan arm to be replaced.
Clunking noises from the rear suspension may also indicate that the bolts in the aluminium suspension components have not been tightened, causing the bushes and mounting points to wear.
Uneven front tyre wear
Excessive wear on the inner edge of the front tyres may be due to play at either end of the lower front wishbone.
Other problems and faults
- For the front fog lights, the silver reflecting surface may flake off over time, exposing the black plastic underneath. As a result, fog lamp housings melting due to the excessive heat.
- In early models, the wire supplying power to the rear screen demister could get hot due to the timer on the relay failing. This heat could cause the wire to melt the plastic fuse holder and the plastic connector block behind the glove box.
