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2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

128 owner complaints analyzed

11 distinct recall campaigns

44,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 49 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 41 of 128 complaints (32.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns2418.8%
Electrical and battery issues2318.0%
Engine operation1914.8%
Braking behavior1713.3%
Steering behavior75.5%
Transmission and shifting53.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
41
Engine
41
Fuel System, Gasoline
28
Fuel/Propulsion System
25
Unknown Or Other
17
Power Train
12
Service Brakes
10
Vehicle Speed Control
8
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System41
Engine41
Fuel System, Gasoline28
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Unknown Or Other17
Power Train12
Service Brakes10
Vehicle Speed Control8

Electrical System: 41; Engine: 41; Fuel System, Gasoline: 28; Fuel/Propulsion System: 25; Unknown Or Other: 17; Power Train: 12; Service Brakes: 10; Vehicle Speed Control: 8

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
20
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
11
75,000 to 99,999
9
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00020
25,000 to 49,9996
50,000 to 74,99911
75,000 to 99,9999
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 20; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 9; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (20). 79 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2018
9
2019
7
2020
8
2021
6
2022
2
2023
7
2024
21
2025
27
2026
41
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20189
20197
20208
20216
20222
20237
202421
202527
202641

2018: 9; 2019: 7; 2020: 8; 2021: 6; 2022: 2; 2023: 7; 2024: 21; 2025: 27; 2026: 41

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 24 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 23 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 19 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11088728 · 2018-04-17 (April 17, 2018)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11088728 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11102730 · 2018-06-20 (June 20, 2018)

SOMETIMES WHEN BRAKES ARE INITIATED THE ENGINE ACCELERATES AND SPEEDS UP

Owner-reported narrative. 1,116 miles reported. Look up ODI 11102730 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11110074 · 2018-07-08 (July 8, 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

Owner-reported narrative. 1,502 miles reported. Look up ODI 11110074 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11114684 · 2018-07-30 (July 30, 2018)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11114684 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11118270 · 2018-08-07 (August 7, 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.

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11118270 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11129952 · 2018-09-17 (September 17, 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 WHI…

Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11129952 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11131138 · 2018-09-25 (September 25, 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

Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 11131138 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11151205 · 2018-11-13 (November 13, 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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11151205 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

11 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

17V823000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported: 2017-12-20 (December 20, 2017)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. The braking system on these vehicles may have been filled with contaminated brake fluid, possibly damaging the system and affecting its performance.

Consequence: A reduction in braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Alfa Romeo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the braking system, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service at 1-844-253-2872. Chrysler's number for this recall is T84.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V147000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Reported: 2018-03-06 (March 6, 2018)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The software for the wiper motor may incorrectly interpret the wiper motor as overheating, limiting the windshield wipers to operating only at the low-speed setting. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Consequence: Limited wiper function can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began on April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U24.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V203000 · Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate

Reported: 2018-03-29 (March 29, 2018)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. Water may Leak into the wiring connectors for the rear liftgate and the liftgate-opening switch, causing corrosion.

Consequence: Corrosion at the connectors may cause the liftgate to unintentionally open while moving at speeds of less than 3 miles per hour, allowing cargo to fall out of the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install additional protection against water leaking into the liftgate wiring connectors and switch, free of charge. The recall began April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U34.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V205000 · Equipment:Electrical

Reported: 2018-03-29 (March 29, 2018)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. Water may leak into the body control module and its connectors, causing corrosion. This corrosion can cause illumination of one or more malfunction indicator lamps, a loss of windshield wiper function, a loss of exterior lighting, a loss of horn function and/or unintended turn signal activation.

Consequence: Electrical malfunctions such as windshield wipers that may not work in the rain and lights that may not work at night increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install additional sealing protection to prevent water from entering the body control module and its connectors. The recall began on April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U36.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V635000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings

Reported: 2018-09-14 (September 14, 2018)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio vehicles. The engine cooling hose may have inadequate webbing material allowing a coolant leak.

Consequence: A loss of coolant can cause the engine to overheat and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant hose, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U99.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V636000 · Electrical System:Wiring | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2018-09-14 (September 14, 2018)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles, equipped with 2.0L engines. These engines may misfire causing the catalytic converter to overheat, possibly resulting in damage to the nearby wiring and engine components.

Consequence: Heat damage to the engine compartment wiring or components can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles for diagnostic codes, and update the engine control module software, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-844-253-2872. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA4.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V148000 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Reported: 2019-03-01 (March 1, 2019)

FCA US LLC (Alfa Romeo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2017-2019 Giulia vehicles. The Brake System Module (BSM) software may prevent the driver from disabling the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) after the traction control system detects a specific wheel slip.

Consequence: The driver's inability to deactivate the ACC can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: Alfa Romeo has notified owners, and dealers will update the BSM software, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service 1-800-853-1403. The Alfa Romeo number for this recall is V27.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V551000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Reported: 2019-07-25 (July 25, 2019)

Alfa Romeo (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) may indicate an inaccurate fuel level that displays higher than the actual amount.

Consequence: The vehicle may be operated without enough fuel in the tank causing a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Alfa Romeo will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Alfa Romeo's number for this recall is V84.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V382000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported: 2023-05-30 (May 30, 2023)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018-2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles equipped with carbon ceramic matrix brakes. During certain driving maneuvers, the brake system may exert an excessive clamp force that may fracture the rotor, decreasing the brake performance.

Consequence: An unexpected decrease in brake performance increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the brake system module (BSM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 68A.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V510000 · Seat Belts:Front | Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2024-07-03 (July 3, 2024)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.

Consequence: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V586000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2025-09-09 (September 9, 2025)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of fuel flow and loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 7, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 93C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 16, 2025. The information in your report suggests that Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.

NHTSA campaign record ↗