I had an Alfa 156 Twin Spark ten years ago and it was the WORST car I've ever owned. It's no surprise to me that they don't last.
The dealerships were appalling too. For example, I was told I could wait in the dealership while my car was serviced. I though it would take an hour at most. Eight hours later I was still waiting, without even being offered a coffee or a sandwich! Also, every repair cost a minimum of £200 - blown bulb, pay us £200, check the tracking, £200...
It does not matter how stylish they look, I will NEVER buy another Alfa (Fiat cars are, to my mind, off limits too by association).