What kind of problems does an Alfa Romeo Stelvio usually have? In this blog, we’ve outlined all the most important things you should watch for when you’re in the market for a Stelvio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio. However, let’s first start with a quick answer:
Alfa Romeo Stelvio have had recalls for fuel and coolant leaks caused by faulty hoses or housing, loss of ABS when braking hard, or sudden loss of control of the cruise control. Furthermore, they were recalled for heat damage due to misfiring of the engine and electrical problems caused by corrosion.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. In the rest of the article, we’ll discuss every problem in detail. Furthermore, we’ll let you know how to identify it, fix it and how much it costs to fix. Read on!
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1. Fuel Leaks
The Stelvio has also proven not always to be a leak-free car. One such instance was a recall under number 21V878000. This recall involves the fuel line sensor housing, which could crack in the 2020 – 2021 Stelvio. This crack then results in fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire. Alfa Romeo contacted the owners at the beginning of 2022 about this problem and will replace the necessary part free of charge.
Also read: Types Of Gas An Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Quadrifoglio) Takes
2. Loss Of ABS When Braking Hard
One of the more serious recalls involved 2019 – 2021 models of the Stelvio, which were recalled for a mechanical issue. Hard braking could result in the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit rotor separating, which meant a reduction of brake power and a loss of ABS. Owners were notified of this in June 2021, and the ABS HCU was replaced free of charge under recall number 21V309000.
3. Non-Deployment Of The Airbags
Another recall involved the 2021 models of the Stelvio. In this case, a faulty clamp caused the side airbag curtain and the inflator to separate. This either caused an incomplete deployment or prevented the airbag’s deployment altogether. Owners were notified of this problem in May 2021 under recall number 21V221000, and the assembly was inspected and replaced free of charge.
4. Faulty Fuel Gauge
A faulty Body Control Module in the 2018 – 2019 models of the Stelvio resulted in the fuel gauge indicating a higher fuel level than was actually in the car. This resulted in people running out of fuel before they thought they needed to refill. A recall was issued under number 19V551000, and the BCM software was updated at dealers free of charge.
5. Can’t Deactivate Cruise Control
Another problem involved the owners of 2018 – 2019 Stelvio. They were unable to disable the adaptive cruise control in some situations. This was caused by faulty brake system module software, which wouldn’t allow this to happen when the traction control detected a wheel slip. A recall was issued in March 2019 under number 19V148000 to update the software free of charge.
6. Heat Damage Because Of Misfires
2018 Stelvio’s were recalled in September 2018 under recall number 18V636000. The 2.0L engines equipped in some of these models were prone to misfiring, which caused the catalytic converter to overheat. Which could result in damage to the wires and engine components. The engine control module software was updated, which supposedly fixed the problem.
7. Potential Coolant Leaks
Another recall specifically involved the Stelvio Quadrifoglio models manufactured between 2018 – 2019. The engine cooling hose had inadequate webbing material, which allowed it to leak. This increased the chances of engine stalling and overheating. Owners were notified of this in October 2018, and the coolant hose was replaced free of charge.
8. Electrical Problems Caused By Corrosion
2018 Stelvio were recalled in April of 2018 for a water leak issue. Water would sip into the body control module, which caused connectors to corrode. This corrosion then led to the illumination of warning lights, loss of windshield wiper function, and/or a loss of exterior lighting. The cars were recalled under number 18V205000, and dealers added additional sealing to the BCM to prevent this issue from occurring.
9. Slowly Operating Windshield Wipers
Another issue that affected the windshield wipers was a problem with the windshield wiper motors. The software in control of this motor would incorrectly assume the windshield wiper motor was overheating, causing it to only function at a low speed. This issue was identified simultaneously as the electrical problems we just mentioned. It involved only the 2018 models of the Stelvio, and these were recalled under number 18V147000.
10. Contaminated Brake Fluid
Furthermore, some early 2018 models were recalled at the end of 2017 because there was a chance they were filled with contaminated brake fluid. The recall was carried out under number 17V823000. As can be expected, both issues were solved free of charge.
What’s The Worst Year Of The Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
Finally, we have to answer what year of the Stelvio is the best and what year is the worst. However, before we do that, we have to mention the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. As you can see when looking at the list of problems we just mentioned, very few of them apply to the Quadrifoglio.
This is because the Quadrifoglio has had fewer complaints and fewer recalls. This indicates this version of the Stelvio is a solid pick. However, we also have to keep in mind here that much fewer Quadrifoglio have been sold, reducing the number of complaints that will be given.
Looking at the Stelvio, we can conclude the following:
The 2018 – 2019 model years of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio are the worst because they’ve had problems with overheating the engine due to misfiring and electrical problems due to corrosion, coolant leaks, and not being able to deactivate the cruise control.
On the other hand, the 2020 – 2021 models of the Stelvio have had fewer and less severe problems, although they aren’t without faults. This model year has had problems with loss of ABS, non-deployment of airbags, and fuel leaks.
In the end, the Stelvio definitely isn’t a bad choice. Most problems were caught early on, so they didn’t have the time to become serious. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo has shown to be quick with their recalls, significantly reducing the problems owners can have.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to check if recalls were carried out if you’re in the market for a second-hand Stelvio. If so, you should be good to go.
Sources
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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