AI Damage1991 Alfa Romeo 164: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 38% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 13% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 4 Seat belts 13% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 13% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 13% of all complaints
- 7 Tires 13% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 13% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (38% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Seat belts: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (13% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Started vehicle shifted into reverse suddenly it surged hit two cars crossed the highway hit an embankment and flipped over. Tt
Transmission slips from 3rd to 4th (automatic) when cold,is this a well kown problem for this car? Thanks in advance.
Automatic transmission does not downshift when accelerator is depressed/would not shift even if shifted manually.
Gas fumes entering passenger's compartment due to loose clamps around the gas tank.
Started experiencing problems with the transmission about 42 miles. The transmission would shift too early and when the gas was applied it would not shift at all, had to shift manually. Please describe in detail.
Front driver's and passengers seat belts have failed, seat belt buckles will not release. Tt
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,896 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 32% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 164 has 3 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 8, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Alfa Romeo 164?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, air bags, fuel system. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: door locks, latches, handles (13%), seat belts (13%), unintended acceleration (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Alfa Romeo 164?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.