2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has 163 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve electrical system and engine.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 163 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 20.2%
ENGINE
33 20.2%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 8.6%
POWER TRAIN
11 6.7%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
11 6.7%
Quick Insights
The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 20.2% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 22 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
Subscribe to Recall Alerts
Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.
What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has 163 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33), ENGINE (33), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 108 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 22 of 22 systems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 Reports20% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE I WAS DRIVING 15 MPH ON A PRIVATE ROAD, I SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I MANAGED TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP, BUT I COULDN'T ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE, OR TURN THE CAR OFF. THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTER, ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE, AND ELECTRONIC STARTER WERE ALL UNRESPONSIVE. I SAW NUMEROUS WARNING MESSAGES ON THE DASHBOARD. ONE OF THEM SAID "SERVICE SHIFTER. CONTINUE IN D. DO NOT SHIFT OR TURN ENGINE OFF", BUT IT DIDN'T TELL ME WHAT I COULD DO TO RETURN THE CAR TO A SAFE STATE. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I ASKED THEM WHAT MY OPTIONS WERE, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD WAIT UNTIL THE CAR RUNS OUT OF GAS. I'M NOT SURE WHAT I DID, BUT I EVENTUALLY GOT THE CARE TO SHUT OFF, BUT IT STAYED IN NEUTRAL, SO I STILL COULDN'T TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE. EVENTUALLY A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND GOT THE CAR IN TO PARK BY ENTERING THE CARGO AREA BY CLIMBING THROUGH THE BACK SEAT,DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, AND RECONNECTING IT.
7/30/2018
I GOT MY ALFA ROMEO STELVIO IN NOVEMBER 2017 AND LESS THAN A YEAR, IT GOT TOO MANY PROBLEMS, SOME OF WHICH ARE SERIOUS N GOOD HELP FROM DEALERS. PROBLEMS: 1.FROM MONTHS, I WAS GETTING ALL LIGHTS OUT INDICATIONS WHERE ALL LIGHTS WORK, WHEN I PUT INDICATOR ON IT GIVES ANNOYING SOUND IN CAR. (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION & STATIONARY) 2.WHEN IT RAINS OUTSIDE, WATER LEAKAGE IN CAR NEAR FRONT SIDE PASSENGER LEGS ' (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION & STATIONARY) 3.VOLUME IN CAR RAISES AND HIT MAX AUTOMATICALLY. (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION) 4.IF I TURN OFF CAR AND GET DOWN WHILE I WAS ON CALL, STILL MEDIA DOES NOT GO OFF UNLESS I MANUALLY DISCONNECT MY PHONE FROM CAR BLUETOOTH. 5.PARKING BREAK GETS AUTO RELEASE WHEN I PRESS ON ACCELERATOR. 6.ONE MORE HUGE STUPID ISSUE FROM ALFA ROMEO. WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I GOT INDICATOR SAYING ENGINE ON/OFF BUTTON NOT AVAILABLE AND WAS HONKING BY ITSELF AND THAT TOO WHEN I WAS DRIVING. WHEN I PULLED OVER FROM TRAFFIC & TURN OFF VEHICLE THEN IT GOES INTO PANIC MODE. THIS IS SO STUPID N SERIOUS. (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION & STATIONARY) IMPORTANT NOTE: I UNDERSTAND MOST OF THE ABOVE STATED ISSUES WERE PART OF RECALLS (U34 & U36). STRANGE THING IS WHEN I CHECKED WITH DEALER & ALFA ROMEO PREMIUM CARE, AS PER DOCUMENTATION THE RECALL FIXES WERE DONE ON MY CAR. WHICH MEANS THE RECALL FIXES WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO FIX THE ISSUES, WHICH CAUSED FOR RECALL AND AS STATED BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) THESE ISSUES WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT WITH MOST RATED MOTOR TREND OF THE YEAR ALFA ROMEO. AM JUST GIVING RECENT DATE WHEN HAPPENED, BUT THIS IS HAPPENING FROM LONG AND NOT PROPER SUPPORT FROM DEALER TO FIX IT. WHEN LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WENT TO DEALER AND LEFT CAR WITH THEM. VISIBILTY WIPER/OTHER PARTS AFFECTED TOO.
9/17/2018
ENGINE
33 Reports20% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
AFTER FUELING UP THE FUEL TANK, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT OUT FROM THE VEHICLE'S HOOD. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ALERTED THERE WAS ANY ISSUE FROM THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD INDICATOR/WARNING LIGHTS. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNTIL THE FIRE/POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON SCENE. *DT UPDATED 10/22/18*JB
9/25/2018
ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 WHOLE COOLER ENGINE FLUID WAS FLUSHED INSIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE CAR. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ON 09-19-2018. THE RECALL HAD BEEN SEEN SINCE 09-14-2018. THE CAR WAS SOLD TO US WITH A SAFETY RECALL WITH SAME VIN NUMBER
11/13/2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I BOUGHT MY 2018 STELVIO IN DEC 2017. I THOUGHT IT WAS ODD THE CAR NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE ONLY ABOUT THREE DAYS AFTER HAVING IT - NOW AFTER RESEARCHING I'VE LEARNED MANY PEOPLE HAVE BROUGHT THEIR NEW ALFA ROMEOS IN FOR "SOFTWARE UPDATES" RELATED TO ALL THE SENSORS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 5K MILES ON IT AND IN THOSE MILES I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON ABOUT 3 OR 4 OCCASIONS A WARNING MESSAGE ON MY DISPLAY THAT READS "GEAR SELECTOR MALFUNCTION" OR "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE". THE MESSAGE ALSO TELLS ME FOR BOTH ISSUES NOT TO SHIFT OUT OF "DRIVE". AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS THE ERROR WENT AWAY. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BECAUSE DURING THAT MOMENT I NEVER FELT ANY DIFFERENCE OR EXPERIENCED ANYTHING STRANGE. HOWEVER, I WAS IN A COLLISION WITH A STATIONARY OBJECT (A METAL BARRIER POLE IN A PARKING LOT). I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE INDICATED IT WAS IN REVERSE AND THE REAR CAMERA DISPLAYED ALONG WITH THE OVERHEAD PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE SENSOR LAYOUT. I PROCEEDED TO BACK UP BY PUSHING THE THROTTLE AND THE VEHICLE LAUNCHED FORWARD WITH A HUGE AMOUNT OF FORCE. I STRUCK THE POLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OTHER THAN TO MY VEHICLE. INITIAL ASSESSMENT IS METAL BUMPER REPLACEMENT, RADIATOR AND COOLING. BUT AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. HOWEVER THE SENSORS NEVER INDICATED I WAS NEAR AN OBJECT EITHER WHILE I WAS CLEARLY IN REVERSE. AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND THERE HAVE BEEN A SLEW OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES AS ALFAS ARE DRIVE BY WIRE AND USE SENSORS AND SOFTWARE TO RUN THE VEHICLE AND PEOPLE ARE REPORTING BAD BATTERIES WHICH ARE CAUSING FAULTS. I BELIEVE MY FAULT HAS TO DO WITH A BAD BATTERY WITH LOW VOLTAGE AND MY SENSORS AND SOFTWARE ARE NOT UP TO DATE WHICH I SHOULD BE NOTIFIED ABOUT. I'VE FILED AN INSURANCE CLAIM HOWEVER I WOULD LIKE ESCALATE THIS INCIDENT TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS AND TO PREVENT FUTURE OCCURRENCES.
4/17/2018
11/10/18 PICKED UP NEW CAR FROM THE DEALER 11/12, 11/13,11/14, 11/15, 11/19 CAR STARTED & HAD NO ISSUES. 11/20/18 CAR DID NOT START, ENGINE LIGHT INDICATOR IS ON. HAD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE BOOST BATTERY. UNSUCCESSFUL. CAR TOWED BACK TO DEALER 0N 11/21/18 11/23 CAR RETURNED, DROVE CAR 11/26/18 WITHOUT ISSUES. 11/27/18 CAR DID NOT START, ENGINE LIGHT & OIL LIGHT INDICATOR ON, CAR TOWED BACK TO DEALER. 12/4/18 CAR RETURNED TO ME AND WORKING. DROVE CAR ABOUT 10-15 MILES, WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THE ENGINE LIGHT INDICATOR WAS ON WHILE DRIVING. CALLED DEALER WHILE IN CAR, AND DEALER INSTRUCTED TO RETURN CAR SAME DAY. I DID NOT STOP OR TURN OFF THE CAR UNTIL I ARRIVED AT THE DEALER ( SAME DAY) I DROVE UP TO SERVICE DEALER PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHILE WAITING,AT DEALER THE STAFF INFORMED THAT THE CAR DID NOT START, AND THEY HAD TO PUSH THE CAR INSIDE OF THE SERVICE AREA. AS OF THIS REPORT, I DO NOT HAVE A WORKING CAR.
12/4/2018
POWER TRAIN
11 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE I WAS DRIVING 15 MPH ON A PRIVATE ROAD, I SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I MANAGED TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP, BUT I COULDN'T ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE, OR TURN THE CAR OFF. THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTER, ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE, AND ELECTRONIC STARTER WERE ALL UNRESPONSIVE. I SAW NUMEROUS WARNING MESSAGES ON THE DASHBOARD. ONE OF THEM SAID "SERVICE SHIFTER. CONTINUE IN D. DO NOT SHIFT OR TURN ENGINE OFF", BUT IT DIDN'T TELL ME WHAT I COULD DO TO RETURN THE CAR TO A SAFE STATE. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I ASKED THEM WHAT MY OPTIONS WERE, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD WAIT UNTIL THE CAR RUNS OUT OF GAS. I'M NOT SURE WHAT I DID, BUT I EVENTUALLY GOT THE CARE TO SHUT OFF, BUT IT STAYED IN NEUTRAL, SO I STILL COULDN'T TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE. EVENTUALLY A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND GOT THE CAR IN TO PARK BY ENTERING THE CARGO AREA BY CLIMBING THROUGH THE BACK SEAT,DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, AND RECONNECTING IT.
7/30/2018
AFTER FUELING UP THE FUEL TANK, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT OUT FROM THE VEHICLE'S HOOD. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ALERTED THERE WAS ANY ISSUE FROM THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD INDICATOR/WARNING LIGHTS. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNTIL THE FIRE/POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON SCENE. *DT UPDATED 10/22/18*JB
9/25/2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
11 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and hesitated to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after a while the vehicle restarted but drove with reduced motive power. The battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD II scanner and determined that the fuel pump had failed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
6/25/2024
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Electronic Acceleration Control Disabled" was displayed. The contact pulled over and waited a while before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the low-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact was informed that the low-pressure fuel pump and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,500.
7/10/2025
SERVICE BRAKES
10 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SOMETIMES WHEN BRAKES ARE INITIATED THE ENGINE ACCELERATES AND SPEEDS UP
6/20/2018
DEPRESSED BRAKE CAME TO A STOP THEN ENGINE REVVED UP AND CAR TOOK OFF WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE HAD TO ENGAGE CAR INTO PARK TO GET IT INTO STOP VERY DANGEROUS THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN SECOND TIME I'VE REPORTED TO NHTSA CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
7/8/2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
10 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE FUEL GAUGE INSIDE THE CAR SHOWS WRONG READINGS AND YOU CAN RUN OUT OF FUEL
3/13/2021
The car will shut off in traffic out of no where. While driving the cars speed randomly will decrease to 15 miles and hour on the interstate almost causing a crash. When the cars speeds decreases randomly it does not all you to accelerate. Therefore the car is just going 15 miles an hour on a highway of no less than 65 miles. This has happened multiple times in the last 2 months. I see there was a recall of the same vehicles for the same issue a few years ago but this vehicle wasnât listed yet it is experiencing the same issues. Have spent countless dollars and the problem is still not fixed
7/9/2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I BOUGHT MY 2018 STELVIO IN DEC 2017. I THOUGHT IT WAS ODD THE CAR NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE ONLY ABOUT THREE DAYS AFTER HAVING IT - NOW AFTER RESEARCHING I'VE LEARNED MANY PEOPLE HAVE BROUGHT THEIR NEW ALFA ROMEOS IN FOR "SOFTWARE UPDATES" RELATED TO ALL THE SENSORS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 5K MILES ON IT AND IN THOSE MILES I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON ABOUT 3 OR 4 OCCASIONS A WARNING MESSAGE ON MY DISPLAY THAT READS "GEAR SELECTOR MALFUNCTION" OR "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE". THE MESSAGE ALSO TELLS ME FOR BOTH ISSUES NOT TO SHIFT OUT OF "DRIVE". AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS THE ERROR WENT AWAY. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BECAUSE DURING THAT MOMENT I NEVER FELT ANY DIFFERENCE OR EXPERIENCED ANYTHING STRANGE. HOWEVER, I WAS IN A COLLISION WITH A STATIONARY OBJECT (A METAL BARRIER POLE IN A PARKING LOT). I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE INDICATED IT WAS IN REVERSE AND THE REAR CAMERA DISPLAYED ALONG WITH THE OVERHEAD PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE SENSOR LAYOUT. I PROCEEDED TO BACK UP BY PUSHING THE THROTTLE AND THE VEHICLE LAUNCHED FORWARD WITH A HUGE AMOUNT OF FORCE. I STRUCK THE POLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OTHER THAN TO MY VEHICLE. INITIAL ASSESSMENT IS METAL BUMPER REPLACEMENT, RADIATOR AND COOLING. BUT AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. HOWEVER THE SENSORS NEVER INDICATED I WAS NEAR AN OBJECT EITHER WHILE I WAS CLEARLY IN REVERSE. AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND THERE HAVE BEEN A SLEW OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES AS ALFAS ARE DRIVE BY WIRE AND USE SENSORS AND SOFTWARE TO RUN THE VEHICLE AND PEOPLE ARE REPORTING BAD BATTERIES WHICH ARE CAUSING FAULTS. I BELIEVE MY FAULT HAS TO DO WITH A BAD BATTERY WITH LOW VOLTAGE AND MY SENSORS AND SOFTWARE ARE NOT UP TO DATE WHICH I SHOULD BE NOTIFIED ABOUT. I'VE FILED AN INSURANCE CLAIM HOWEVER I WOULD LIKE ESCALATE THIS INCIDENT TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS AND TO PREVENT FUTURE OCCURRENCES.
4/17/2018
THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ACTIVATED FOR NO REASON. AS I WAS STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A CITY STREET IT CAME ON SUDDENLY AND RAPIDLY DECELERATED THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME.
8/7/2018
AIR BAGS
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
7/25/2024
We use our vehicle not only for our business but also share it on the Turo platform for rentals. Because of this recall our vehicle as been unlisted until the recall is fixed. It has now been over a month and we have received no solution to the safety recall issue. Itâs not only costing us peace of mind as we need to continue using the vehicle ourselves but itâs also costing us money as we havnt been able to rent out the vehicle due to the safety recall not being addressed . We find this delay to be unacceptable
8/5/2024
SEAT BELTS
5 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
7/25/2024
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
8/7/2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
HELLO, I BOUGHT AN ALFA ROMEO STELVIO 2018 ON DECEMBER 31ST 2018, PRE-OWNED WITH 4800 MILES. AT 7900 MILES THE BRAKES WARNING CAME UP, I TOOK THE CAR AT THE ALFA ROMEO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, THEY ALSO MADE ME PAY FOR IT SAYING IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH I DON'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE ALFA ROMEO WARRANTY FOR THE BRAKES SERVICE IS UP TO 12,000 MILES OR 1 YEAR ( THE CAR NOW HAS 8100 MILES). WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY ALSO DID EARLIER THE 12 MONTHS SERVICE. AFTER SCANNING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS IN GREAT SHAPE. I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP, AND I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME, AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES, THE ENTIRE ELECTRONIC STARTED TO ACT REALLY WEIRD, I WAS GETTING COUNTLESS WARNINGS ON THE DASHBOARD, THE TURN LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING, ALL LIGHTS AROUND THE CAR STARTED RANDOMLY FLASHING, THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING, AC SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING THE WINDOWS GOT FOGGY I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY RUNNING 60/70 MILES/HOUR, ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRYING TO PULL THE CAR OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY/RELIABILITY CONCERN OF MINE, THE CAR TOTALLY STALLED WHILE RUNNING AT 60/70 MILES/HOUR ON A HIGHWAY, PUTTING MY SAFETY/LIFE AT BIG RISK. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I'M SERIOUSLY THINKING TO HAVE THE CAR REPLACED OR REIMBURSED. IS THERE ANY KIND OF ACTION I CAN TAKE WITH ALFA ROMEO USA TO HAVE THE CAR REPLACED/REIMBURSED? BEST REGARDS, *TR
2/18/2019
ON MAY 9, 2018, THE VEHICLE UNDERWENT THE RECALL #U36/NHTSA18V-205 TO SEAL THE POTENTIAL WATER INTRUSION THAT WOULD AFFECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. HOWEVER, ON DECEMBER 16, 2019, A NOTICEABLE AMOUNT OF WATER WAS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD AND AFTER DRIVING FOR 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, WE EXPERIENCED WHAT WE FOUND OUT TO BE LATER WATER INTRUSION THAT AFFECTED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. AS RECALL #U36 DESCRIBES WE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: 1) THE TURN SIGNALS SPONTANEOUSLY ENGAGED AS WELL AS DID NOT ENGAGE WHEN REQUESTED, 2) THE FAN DID NOT OPERATE, 3) THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOORS WOULD LOCK/UNLOCK RANDOMLY, 4) A WARNING SYMBOL DISPLAYING ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE PROXIMITY SENSORS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING, 5) A WARNING SYMBOL DISPLAYING ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGING WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT PROMPT FROM THE DRIVER, 6) THE HEADLIGHTS WERE RAPIDLY ALTERNATING FROM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW BEAMS, 7) COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION DURING HOURS OF DARKNESS. BASED OFF OF THE AFOREMENTIONED INCIDENT, IT APPEARS THAT EITHER: 1) THE RECALL WAS NEVER PERFORMED ON MAY 9, 2018 AS INDICATED ON THE SCANNED INVOICES OR 2) THE RECALL THAT WAS PERFORMED ON MAY 9, 2018 WAS NOT PROPERLY COMPLETED. ON JANUARY 3, 2020, THE DEALERSHIP CONSIDERED THE VEHICLE FIXED BY ONLY REPLACING THE BCM. THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF WHERE THE WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE CABIN. THEREFORE, THEY FAILED TO FIX THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE DAMAGE TO THE BCM AND FUTURE DAMAGE CAN BE EXPECTED TO OCCUR FROM WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN.
2/9/2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON MAY 9, 2018, THE VEHICLE UNDERWENT THE RECALL #U36/NHTSA18V-205 TO SEAL THE POTENTIAL WATER INTRUSION THAT WOULD AFFECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. HOWEVER, ON DECEMBER 16, 2019, A NOTICEABLE AMOUNT OF WATER WAS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD AND AFTER DRIVING FOR 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, WE EXPERIENCED WHAT WE FOUND OUT TO BE LATER WATER INTRUSION THAT AFFECTED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. AS RECALL #U36 DESCRIBES WE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: 1) THE TURN SIGNALS SPONTANEOUSLY ENGAGED AS WELL AS DID NOT ENGAGE WHEN REQUESTED, 2) THE FAN DID NOT OPERATE, 3) THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOORS WOULD LOCK/UNLOCK RANDOMLY, 4) A WARNING SYMBOL DISPLAYING ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE PROXIMITY SENSORS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING, 5) A WARNING SYMBOL DISPLAYING ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGING WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT PROMPT FROM THE DRIVER, 6) THE HEADLIGHTS WERE RAPIDLY ALTERNATING FROM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW BEAMS, 7) COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION DURING HOURS OF DARKNESS. BASED OFF OF THE AFOREMENTIONED INCIDENT, IT APPEARS THAT EITHER: 1) THE RECALL WAS NEVER PERFORMED ON MAY 9, 2018 AS INDICATED ON THE SCANNED INVOICES OR 2) THE RECALL THAT WAS PERFORMED ON MAY 9, 2018 WAS NOT PROPERLY COMPLETED. ON JANUARY 3, 2020, THE DEALERSHIP CONSIDERED THE VEHICLE FIXED BY ONLY REPLACING THE BCM. THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF WHERE THE WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE CABIN. THEREFORE, THEY FAILED TO FIX THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE DAMAGE TO THE BCM AND FUTURE DAMAGE CAN BE EXPECTED TO OCCUR FROM WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN.
2/9/2020
21,000 MILES MAY 2 2020 WHILE EXITING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, ELECTRONICS FAILED AGAIN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ANYMORE; I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A HEAVILY TRAFFICKED US HIGHWAY, WITH THE RISK TO BE HIT BY OTHER CARS. THE CAR WENT INTO THE NORMAL DRIVE MODE AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO SWITCH TO ECONOMIC OR DYNAMIC DRIVING MODE ANYMORE, CAR WOULD NOT RUN OVER 40MPH. ALL KIND OF WARNINGS STARTED SHOWING UP ON THE DASHBOARD. I HAD TO STOP/START THE CAR A FEW TIMES, AND IT RESUMED FUNCTIONING. CURRENT MAJOR FAILURE-30/05/2020, CANNOT SAY THE CAR MILEAGE BECAUSE THE DASHBOARD SCREEN TOTALLY BLACKED OUT, 2020. ALL CUSTOMIZED CONTROLS SETTINGS WENT BACK ON FACTORY SETTINGS AND THE CENTER DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS COMPLETELY BLACKED OUT. CAR IS BLOCKED IN NORMAL DRIVING MODE WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY TO SWITCH TO DYNAMIC OR ECONOMIC MODE. ESC WARNING IS ACTIVATED ON THE DASHBOARD. *TR
6/4/2020
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AROUND 65 - 70 MPH MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED.
7/15/2020
Body control module While driving in rain, received multiple incorrect messages on dash screen, horn began to beep. Unable to turn horn off until parking and disconnecting the negative battery cable. Had body control module replaced. Two weeks later, driving in rain: multiple warning lights appeared. Monitor said passenger and driver doors were open-they were not. Gas gauge became 'unavailable,' displaying only empty tank. Lights flickered on and off in cabin. Dealer said this was never a recall issue. Alfa says it was but the recall 'expired, so not eligible to fix' This is recall number U36. Obviously still a problem.
12/23/2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ACTIVATED FOR NO REASON. AS I WAS STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A CITY STREET IT CAME ON SUDDENLY AND RAPIDLY DECELERATED THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME.
8/7/2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO. THE CONTACT SATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM FAILED. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY WITH NO HAZARD AHEAD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DETECTION SYSTEM ACTIVATED INCORRECTLY. THE SYSTEM DETECTED A VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ENGAGED THE BRAKING SYSTEM AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THOMPSON MASERATI ALFA ROMEO (303 SWAMP ROAD, DOYLES TOWN, PA 18901, (215)348-0056) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO ERROR CODES COULD BE FOUND. THE DEALER REALIGNED THE SENSORS, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,500.
10/11/2019
STRUCTURE:BODY
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I GOT MY ALFA ROMEO STELVIO IN NOVEMBER 2017 AND LESS THAN A YEAR, IT GOT TOO MANY PROBLEMS, SOME OF WHICH ARE SERIOUS N GOOD HELP FROM DEALERS. PROBLEMS: 1.FROM MONTHS, I WAS GETTING ALL LIGHTS OUT INDICATIONS WHERE ALL LIGHTS WORK, WHEN I PUT INDICATOR ON IT GIVES ANNOYING SOUND IN CAR. (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION & STATIONARY) 2.WHEN IT RAINS OUTSIDE, WATER LEAKAGE IN CAR NEAR FRONT SIDE PASSENGER LEGS ' (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION & STATIONARY) 3.VOLUME IN CAR RAISES AND HIT MAX AUTOMATICALLY. (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION) 4.IF I TURN OFF CAR AND GET DOWN WHILE I WAS ON CALL, STILL MEDIA DOES NOT GO OFF UNLESS I MANUALLY DISCONNECT MY PHONE FROM CAR BLUETOOTH. 5.PARKING BREAK GETS AUTO RELEASE WHEN I PRESS ON ACCELERATOR. 6.ONE MORE HUGE STUPID ISSUE FROM ALFA ROMEO. WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I GOT INDICATOR SAYING ENGINE ON/OFF BUTTON NOT AVAILABLE AND WAS HONKING BY ITSELF AND THAT TOO WHEN I WAS DRIVING. WHEN I PULLED OVER FROM TRAFFIC & TURN OFF VEHICLE THEN IT GOES INTO PANIC MODE. THIS IS SO STUPID N SERIOUS. (THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION & STATIONARY) IMPORTANT NOTE: I UNDERSTAND MOST OF THE ABOVE STATED ISSUES WERE PART OF RECALLS (U34 & U36). STRANGE THING IS WHEN I CHECKED WITH DEALER & ALFA ROMEO PREMIUM CARE, AS PER DOCUMENTATION THE RECALL FIXES WERE DONE ON MY CAR. WHICH MEANS THE RECALL FIXES WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO FIX THE ISSUES, WHICH CAUSED FOR RECALL AND AS STATED BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) THESE ISSUES WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT WITH MOST RATED MOTOR TREND OF THE YEAR ALFA ROMEO. AM JUST GIVING RECENT DATE WHEN HAPPENED, BUT THIS IS HAPPENING FROM LONG AND NOT PROPER SUPPORT FROM DEALER TO FIX IT. WHEN LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WENT TO DEALER AND LEFT CAR WITH THEM. VISIBILTY WIPER/OTHER PARTS AFFECTED TOO.
9/17/2018
Water discharge on the passenger side whenever the AC is switched on and the car is driving. The water leak led to electrical malfunction with electrical lights switching on even when the car is switched off or the lights switching off when the car is in motion. The water on the passenger side was a nuisance for a long time but when the electrical system went haywire, it became a safety risk especially during night driving when the lights may switch off abruptly. The water leak incident was first reported to the dealership on March 6th, 2021. We did not drive the car around much in the year due to covid. We subsequently reported the problem to dealership in March and May of 2022 (start of the summer months). The water leak continued to happen and we ignored it for a while until Aug 6th 2022 when we took a long trip and the passenger side was completely soaked. The electrical malfunction started happening sometime after. Eventually, on Sept 6th 2022, the car battery died as the lights were running throughout the night. The water leak incident has been looked by dealership and they did found dampness on the passenger side but could not recreate the issue. The car has been with dealership since Sept 7th 2022 for them to check for electrical and water leak issue. The videos of the incidents could be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/plin71ez82sflh3/AADR4qOJ744_dtoInw0y108Ha?dl=0
9/11/2022
STRUCTURE
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated the vehicle lost functionality with the radio and the phone control. The contact stated that the front wipers became inoperable. The START/STOP function was also inoperable. The contact also stated that the heating and air condition controls and the backup camera were inoperable. The contact became aware that water was pooling inside the bottom of the liftgate while opened. The Auto START/STOP indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the backup camera connections and the electrical wiring harnesses were corroded. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V203000 (Structure) as a possible solution; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,293.
3/14/2024
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the interior lights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond while switching from Sport Mode to Economy Mode. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the Engine Stop/Start system was no longer operable while at a complete stop. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed a burning coolant odor, which increased while at a complete stop. The contact also stated that he noticed a water leak on the front passenger's side floor and a moldy odor after the vehicle had been in the rain. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V636000 (Electrical System, Engine, and Engine Cooling) and to another unknown recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
6/27/2024
PARKING BRAKE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WHILE I WAS DRIVING 15 MPH ON A PRIVATE ROAD, I SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I MANAGED TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP, BUT I COULDN'T ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE, OR TURN THE CAR OFF. THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTER, ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE, AND ELECTRONIC STARTER WERE ALL UNRESPONSIVE. I SAW NUMEROUS WARNING MESSAGES ON THE DASHBOARD. ONE OF THEM SAID "SERVICE SHIFTER. CONTINUE IN D. DO NOT SHIFT OR TURN ENGINE OFF", BUT IT DIDN'T TELL ME WHAT I COULD DO TO RETURN THE CAR TO A SAFE STATE. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I ASKED THEM WHAT MY OPTIONS WERE, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD WAIT UNTIL THE CAR RUNS OUT OF GAS. I'M NOT SURE WHAT I DID, BUT I EVENTUALLY GOT THE CARE TO SHUT OFF, BUT IT STAYED IN NEUTRAL, SO I STILL COULDN'T TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE. EVENTUALLY A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND GOT THE CAR IN TO PARK BY ENTERING THE CARGO AREA BY CLIMBING THROUGH THE BACK SEAT,DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, AND RECONNECTING IT.
7/30/2018
WHEELS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
IT IS DISGUSTING THAT AUTO MANUFACTURERS DON'T GIVE A SPARE OR RUN FLATS ON A CAR TODAY. I WAS ON I95 WITH MY FAMILY WHEN MY NEW ONE DAY OLD CAR HAD BLOWOUT AT 10PM AT NIGHT. ALFA ROADSIDE TOOK 6 HOURS TO FIND US. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I WAS STUCK SIDE OF THE BLACK DARKEN HIGHWAY WITHOUT SPARE. THE SEMI TRUCK PASSING 12 INCHES AWAY FROM MY CAR DOING 80+ MPH. HOW IS IT IN 2019 MANUFACTURERS CAN SELL A CAR WITHOUT A SPARE OR EVEN FLARES. THE WORST PART ALFA OFFER SPARE AS OPTION BUT SINCE MY CAR CAME WITHOUT IT I CAN'T ORDER A SPARE NO WHERE. ALFA DON'T OFFER TO SENT A SPARE AFTERMARKET. TIRE RACK TOLD ME THAT THEY DON'T HAVE OR ARE AVAILABLE SPARES THAT FIT MY ALFA STELVIO. A SPARE TIRE KIT WEIGH 20 LBS AND HOW MUCH GAS CAN A PERSON SAVE. I WAS TOLD IT IS MPG THING. I AM IN THE DOGHOUSE WITH MY FAMILY AND I HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER FULL SIZE WHEEL AND TIRE TO USED AS MY SPARE. THE CAR HAS 20 INCH WHEELS AND TAKES UP 1/2 TRUNK SPACE. IF I PUT ON ANOTHER ALFA SMALLER RIM LIKE 18 TO SAVE SPACE I WAS TOLD BY MANUFACTURERS MY WARRANTY IS VOID! I HAVING MY COUSIN IN ITALY SENT ME A DONUT SPARE FOR EMERGENCY. THE SPARE IS FROM ALFA ROMEO STELVIO TI MADE IN ITALY WHEEL THAT HAS SPARES INCLUDED AND SELL AFTERMARKET. THE DEALER SAYS IF I USED I LOSE MY WARRANTY. SAFETY ISSUES BEING STRUCK ON I95 WITHOUT A SPARE. HOW CAN NHTSA MAKE MANUFACTURERS GET AWAY WITH THIS IN 2019. SPARES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY OTHER SAFETY FEATURES
3/3/2019
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE MOSTLY OCCURRED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LEARNED OF A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE DIRECT INJECTION WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED FULLERTON ALFA ROMEO (1034 US-22, SOMERVILLE, NJ 08876, (877)463-1821) WHO STATED THAT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND CLEARED SOME UNKNOWN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED A CASE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPLAINT BE FILED WITH NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
2/25/2021
STEERING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Driving on highway lost full power of engine. Throttle body control message came on . Then steering wheel started to stiffen up . Terrible experience and scary lucky was able to gain control on vehicle and pullover . Reading reviews after getting this vehicle 2 years later that itâs common in most car of this make and very unsafe . Dealer doesnât help and warranty is crap leaving you going to the dealer several times spending dollars on the same safety issue .
12/21/2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the interior lights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond while switching from Sport Mode to Economy Mode. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the Engine Stop/Start system was no longer operable while at a complete stop. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed a burning coolant odor, which increased while at a complete stop. The contact also stated that he noticed a water leak on the front passenger's side floor and a moldy odor after the vehicle had been in the rain. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V636000 (Electrical System, Engine, and Engine Cooling) and to another unknown recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
6/27/2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, and it was confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The dealer informed the contact about a seat belt recall that was completed, but the initial failure was not repaired. The contact stated that after refueling, the fuel light illuminated two days later. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
9/2/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
Are complaints about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
Are complaints about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 163
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
We may earn a commission via links on this page.