Alfa 159 EGR valve

[Lead]

My 159 2.4JTDM recently suffered a failure of its EGR valve which left me immediately with no power. Fortunately, I was on a minor road so was able to coast from 30 mph to a safe halt. I had the car recovered to my Alfa main dealer assuming that this fault would be covered under the extended warranty that I took out when I bought it in April. I am advised by the dealer that this is a common fault but would not be covered.

Two questions now arise;-

1) Given that this is a known fault why have Alfa not recalled the cars to relace the valve? It scares me to think what would have happened had this occured on a motorway.
2) Why Alfa will not cover this under a main dealer extended warranty as I am now over £200 out of pocket?

I really feel that this is something Watchdog should investigate from a safety perspective but would like your advice on this matter before I consider taking it further. Thanks in anticipation.

[Lead]

Hi Guys, Thanks for the responses. Rick - It was not in `limp home` mode as each time I restarted the car and took my foot off the brake and placed it onto the accelerator the engine just died. I will recontact my dealer to see if they can cover the costs as others appear to have been successful with the same problem.

[Lead]

Since my original post I have established that under the Alfa second hand warranty that came with the car is the standard warranty rather than an enhanced one. Having spoken to Alfa customer services they have agreed to refund the cost of the part (£90) but I am still out of pocket for the labour. This was probably due to the relative low mileage 29K.