Alfa Romeo Stelvio Problems? (11 Common Issues – year 2018 and others)

A car’s reliability is dependent on several factors. However, the development and manufacturing of a vehicle are the two most important factors to consider.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio cars come with many problems; therefore, Romeo Stelvio’s reliability is pretty low.

In this article, I’ll be diving into the issues of Romeo Stelvio SUVs based on customer reviews and the Chrysler recalls that were made. 

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV has many issues on every front, including the windshield wiper, rear brake lights, engine, and coolant hose system. These can increase the risk of a crash on the highway. This vehicle is just a disaster waiting to happen, from electrical issues to fuel gauge problems and brake failure. 

11 Common Problems with Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

1. Electrical System Problems

Many Alfa Romeo Stelvio cars have electrical problems, and it’s one of the commonly encountered problems identified amongst customer reviews.

You only need to drive a vehicle with electrical issues before you understand the enjoyment of driving a car without one.  

A dissatisfied customer on the Stelvio Forum had encountered a problem with the left turn signal and the brake light signal, both failing to come on. That, however, resolved the following day spontaneously. 

The unhappy customer also had issues with the service engine light of the vehicle the following day after igniting the car. That interfered with the Auto Start/Stop function of the vehicle.

That same customer also complained of a wide range of other electrical faults with his Alfa Romeo Stelvio car.

From tailgate failing to close, malfunctioning window control buttons at the driver door console, to failure of the climate control system, life was a living hell for this customer.

Summarily, the car ended up in the auto dealer shop. In his own words, he described the ride as a crazy one. 

Besides that we have some problem in Alfa Romeo Giulia Problems as well if you find interest on it.

2. Fuel Gauge Problem

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV sadly is full of various problems. One recall was an impaired body control module, making the fuel gauge display a higher reading than the actual fuel in the car tank.

That can be potentially disastrous because you can run out of fuel while driving and either become stranded or stalled, which will increase the chances of crashing.

A faulty fuel reading is usually associated with parking with a fuel tank that’s between 50-75 percent full on a grade of 10+ degrees for about 30 minutes. 

3. Brake System Failure

Another Alfa Romeo Stelvio recall pointed out a fault with the brake system module software.

That can prevent drivers from disabling the adaptive cruise control, increasing the risk of accidents. That can be very disastrous, especially with children in the car.

Who wants a vehicle with brake problems? Brakes must function properly for a car to be drivable.

A customer who had his truck recalled didn’t like the brake pedal’s feel, saying it felt dead. Another recall revealed a brake fluid contamination that affected performance.

Another contact with NHTSA Campaign Number 19V148000 had a brake failure while driving at forty-five mph.

The brake pedal failed to function, resulting in a frontal collision with another car. Both drivers sustained injuries.

4. Vehicle Structure Problems

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an expensive SUV. One would think that you’re getting a standard car that’ll serve you for years at the sale price. That, however, is not true.

A dissatisfied customer experienced water leaking into the floorboard of the passenger side during a major rainstorm.

The water kept dripping, and a rag was left in the car to keep water from getting into the car while driving. The customer ended up returning the vehicle to the dealership.

5. Windshield Wiper Problems

Windshield Wiper problems occur due to the defective wiper motor software misinterpreting overheating issues and sending incorrect signals to the wipers. You may read our post to know about the Alfa Romeo Software Update.

That manifests as reduced visibility, leaving drivers driving their SUVs at slow speeds. As a result,

Alfa Romeo Stelvio drivers put themselves at risk as they ply the road. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V147000 showed this problem clearly.

A forum user reportedly claimed to be stuck in snow for hours because the wiper refused to function at high speed.

It would automatically reset to a slow speed if you adjusted it to the high speed.

6. Build Quality Problems

A customer on the Stelvio forum lamented the quality of his Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Defective parts include the central armrest that would not close properly, a loosened car door seal and a broken ISO fix plastic cover.

Also included were an exhaust that the manufacturers didn’t place centrally and a faulty infotainment system.

7. Car Door Problems

A contact had his car returned to the dealership due to car door problems. While driving in a heavy rainstorm, water kept leaking into the vehicle.

All the car doors barring the driver’s door stopped working. That can be very disturbing. 

You just have to imagine traveling with your family and everyone having to exit and enter the car through the driver’s door to understand his misfortune 

8. Engine Problems 

Complaints rained down heavily as regards the engine as well. A customer complained of the engine shutting down suddenly on national highway traffic.

You can understand why that is a serious issue because that can interfere with highway traffic safety, leading to road hazards. 

9. Rear Brake Lights Problem

A user on the Stelvio forum was unsatisfied with the rear brake lights as both the brake and tail lights failed to come on.

The user noted that the interior lights wouldn’t come on when he opened the doors, even though they were on. 

10. Tailgate Problems

Tailgate problems are structure-related. A recall with NHTSA Campaign Number 18V203000 illustrated that water could trickle into the wire connections on the rear liftgate.

That can cause corrosion which will eventually cause the tailgate to open up during a drive and allow cargo contents to fall out. That can lead to a road accident.

11. Coolant Hose Leakage

Another commonly encountered problem with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUVs is leakage of the coolant.

The defective engine cooling hose may be due to insufficient webbing material, allowing the coolant to leak.

A particular user on the Stelvio forum complained of occasionally smelling coolant from the driver’s seat, especially after a gas refill.

Consequently, the coolant leaks and causes the engine to overheat, eventually stopping the car. That increases the risk of a crash.

Accordingly, Chrysler recalled several 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio vehicles. 

Top 5 Things I HATE About the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Conclusion

I have given you a list of Alfa Romeo’s problems, they might be more, but these are the most commonly encountered by owners.

If you own an Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicle, you should keep an eye out for one of these. When you notice any problem, I recommend visiting the dealership as soon as possible.