Alfa Romeo owners have filed 363 complaints with NHTSA across 7 models. On average the car was 4.64 years old when the problem happened, and 30.7% of reports fall inside the first three years — while the factory warranty was still running.
What breaks on Alfa Romeo
The systems Alfa Romeo owners report most, and how often each failure ended in a crash.
| System | Complaints | Share of Alfa Romeo | Ended in a crash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 12.7% | 0% | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10.5% | 0% | |
| Engine | 7.2% | 0% | |
| Unknown Or Other | 5.2% | 0% | |
| Electrical System | 5% | 0% | |
| Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System | 4.7% | 5.9% | |
| Service Brakes | 3.3% | 25% | |
| Engine,fuel/propulsion System | 3% | 9.1% |
When Alfa Romeo problems show up
| Measure | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Average age at failure | 4.64 years | How old the car was when the problem happened |
| Reported inside 3 years | 30.7% | Share of complaints filed while the factory warranty was likely still running |
| Complaints describing a crash | 27 | Of 363 total |
| Complaints describing a fire | 7 | Of 363 total |
A low average age does not automatically mean a fragile car: a brand with a young fleet on the road will always skew early. Read it next to the share reported inside three years.
Which Alfa Romeo models draw the most complaints
Volume follows sales, so a bestseller will always top this list. The columns worth reading are age at failure and how many reports ended in a crash.
Alfa Romeo complaints by model year
A bad generation shows up here as a block of years, not as a single spike. Recent years look quiet simply because those cars are young and still under warranty.
| Model year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | |
| 2025 | — | — | |
| 2024 | 2 | — | |
| 2022 | — | — | |
| 2021 | — | — | |
| 2020 | 1 | — | |
| 2019 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 8 | 4 | |
| 2017 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2008 | — | — |
What Alfa Romeo owners report
Grouped by the system owners named. Open any row for the full reports, in their own words — one per model so the same fault does not repeat.
Fuel/propulsion System 46 Read
Vehicle is affected by FCA recall 93C / NHTSA recall 25V-586 for Fuel Delivery Module / fuel pump failure that can cause fuel starvation and unexpected loss of motive power. NHTSA recall lookup shows the recall is incomplete and the remedy is not yet available. The vehicle is already symptomatic. It has active DTC P008A / low-pressure fuel system pressure too low, check engine light, and Start/Stop unavailable. It also has drivability symptoms: inconsistent acceleration, hesitation/poor response, and sometimes failing to restart after stopping in traffic, such as at traffic lights. This creates a risk of the vehicle being disabled in traffic or losing motive power without adequate warning. The dealer stated final recall parts are not available. Dealer offered only a no-charge interim fuel pump control module replacement, but quoted approximately $1,117 to replace the low-pressure fuel pump assembly / Fuel Delivery Module and O-ring. FCA/dealer has not provided written authorization for no-charge interim FDM replacement, has not guaranteed reimbursement if the owner pays now, has not provided alternate transportation, and has not provided a written safety determination that the vehicle is safe to operate while symptomatic. This issue appears long-known. FCA issued a P008A low-pressure fuel system service bulletin in 2018, NHTSA opened investigation PE24003 in January 2024, and recall 25V-586 was not filed until September 2025. Despite that history, a symptomatic vehicle rem
I took the vehicle to Auto Zone for a basic diagnostic and it came back that the fuel pump is failing and defective. I only recently purchased the vehicle and found that there’s a recall on it for this reason. The yellow check engine light came on and it stalled while driving home
Fuel System, Gasoline 38 Read
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp mode, with the start/stop warning light illuminated and a “Throttle Unavailable” warning message displayed. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts required for the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000
The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure
Engine 26 Read
Caught on fire while parked for over an hour. No indication of any problem when driven earlier in the day. Parked in outdoor apt lot. Smelled smoke. Ran out and saw engine was on fire. Called fire department to extinguish it
The contact owns a 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed smoke coming from underneath the front hood. The contact's wife was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact's wife opened the hood, and then the fire was visible from the engine. The contact's wife had a fire extinguisher in the trunk of the vehicle, so the contact's wife and two nearby drivers extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,116
I had my radiator fail, lost all fluid and had to be towed. The car has 73,000 miles on it, is well maintained and garage kept. Alfa has sent the dealerships a Service Bulletin item about the issue, but never contacted the consumers about fixing it proactively. My son broke down on a highway, was able to limp the vehicle to a parking lot where the car had to be towed. The repair was done by Alfa and cost almost $3,000 No issues showed up prior. Once the fail happened the car was
Unknown Or Other 19 Read
Subject: Formal Demand for Remedy – Safety Recall / 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally demand immediate resolution regarding a serious safety recall affecting my 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, issued in September 2025, involves a defect in the fuel delivery module that may result in a loss of motive power. This defect presents a significant safety hazard, increasing the risk of a crash, injury, or worse. Despite the severity of this issue, I have not been provided with a remedy, repair timeline, or adequate alternative solution. It is unacceptable that I am expected to continue operating—or assume the risk of operating—a vehicle with a known safety defect and no available fix. This situation has caused ongoing concern, inconvenience, and diminished confidence in the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Given the lack of a timely and effective remedy, I am formally requesting that Alfa Romeo take one of the following actions immediately: Provide a permanent repair within a reasonable and clearly defined timeframe; OR Repurchase (buy back) the vehicle at fair market value; OR Provide a comparable replacement vehicle at no cost to me If this matter is not resolved promptly, I am prepared to pursue further action, including but not limited to filing additional complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seeking relief under applicable state lemon laws, and exploring oth
The rear view camera is totally dark and I cannot see anything while it is engaged. There is a recall already for some model years but not for my alfa romeo guilia 2018. I want this year to be inlcuded in the recall also
My sunroof on my 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veroce spontaneously burst as I was driving about 40 mph. Nothing nearby or overhead. It was a loud cracking sound that was startling like a gunshot. Luckily, I had the mesh screen pulled shut so no glass fell on me. I pulled over within a mile to check the damage and take pictures. There was no point of impact as the glass was shattered all around the edge of the seal but still intact in the middle. The dealership said they would fix it as a goodwill gesture but that it wasn't covered under warranty. My new sunroof was to be here in 45 days. I have been waiting 56 days as of this writing. They have not called me since they ordered the part which has me worried and prompted me to report this incident
Electrical System 18 Read
I own a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 102,000 miles. The vehicle recently experienced an electrical issue caused by a failed ground strap — a known problem in these vehicles that is widely reported by other owners. After the vehicle became inoperable, I observed smoke and visible signs of burned or heat-damaged wiring in multiple areas under the hood, including ground wires not located near the main strap and crumbling insulation on the ABS wiring in the front wheel wells. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Alfa Romeo dealership, where the ground strap was replaced. However, the dealer did not inspect or document the other visibly damaged wiring, despite my specific request and description of the safety issue. They claimed the vehicle showed no error codes and was safe to drive. My concern is that the failed ground strap caused additional electrical damage to safety-critical components like the ABS system, which may result in electrical fire, loss of braking, or other failures. Alfa Romeo appears to have updated the design of the replacement ground strap (now rubber-insulated), which suggests they are aware of the issue, but they have not issued a recall or TSB. I am filing this report to document the issue and request that NHTSA investigate. I believe this is a systemic problem that affects vehicle safety, and that Alfa Romeo and its dealerships are failing to address it adequately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Alfa Romeo Giulia (and Stelvio) models have an exposed powertrain ground strap under the vehicle body. Because of the exposed position of the ground strap it is prone to corrosion which causes the fine wire braid of the ground strap to become brittle and break. Breaking of the strands of wire is further accelerated due to the acute 90 degree bend in the ground strap routing resulting in wire fatigue. When the ground strap fails it is typical the vehicle may not start. With continued attempts to start, alternate grounding paths may be sought by the current from the starting circuit. This results in substantial and expensive damage to other wiring and electrical components within the engine bay. Alfa Romeo is aware of design flaw of exposed ground strap and the resulting damage from their choice of placement (and lack of protection of the ground strap). Both my 2018 Giulia nd 2023 Stelvio Quadrifoglio have this exposed ground strap design. My 2018 Giulia has failed ground strap. Alfa Romeo will advise that washing the underside of the vehicle is required to keep ground strap free of corrosion. This is not a solution and underbody rinses are typically one spray bar in the car wash and this is insufficient to clean the woven ground strap braid. Alfa Romeo should be forced to issue a recall and remedy this design oversight
Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System 17 Read
I purchased this vehicle at the end of may 2017, after putting on about 500 mi within 4 weeks, a check engine light came on, I took it to the dealership, they kept it overnight,looked at it, and called the following day & said there was "something loose that needed to be tightened" and that the car was ready for pick up. I drove the car and parked it in my garage. The following day, I took the car out, turned it around and backed it up to park in front of my garage, I was going slowly (under 5 mph) the braked locked up and the car accelerated in reverse hitting my garage before I could stop it by turning off the engine. I called the dealership, but got no response. A few hours later I had a lunch appointment. The man I was meeting wanted me to take him for a short ride in the car, which I did. As we returned to the restaurant, I pulled into the parking space slowly, and engaged the brakes, again the car went into sudden acceleration, going over arborvitae trees and into a neighboring parking lot. The dealership was called and the car towed. On both of these occasions I was driving slowly, both times I had my foot on the brake and felt them lock as the car went into acceleration, and both times I had to turn off the car to get it to stop
November 26th my car went into LOMP mode. But then restored itself. December 3rd my car went into LOMP mode again and had not recovered along with a slew of ALARMS. I have been using uber and rental cars since this issue. Highly likely this is a fuel pump issue but unable to determine as the authorized shop is 2hours away and the car will not make it there. I need a remedy I have been out of a car for months now and the recall has no remedy!
Leased a brand new 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale (first year new model production) on 12-23-23. This is a hybrid. On [XXX] at 1347 miles the car would not start. Entire electrical system shut down. Towed to dealership were purchased - Stateline Alfa Romeo in Fort Mill SC. Car was released to me on [XXX] and dealer charged battery but had no idea what caused failure. On [XXX] again at 1681 miles electrical system totally failed once again - car would not start and flatbedded again to Stateline Alfa. Car was keep a week until [XXX] at dealership. I came to pick up the car after they charged the battery again and not knowing cause of failure again, but now car would not start again right at the dealership after they told me it was fixed and ready to pick up. They said they have had conversations with the engineers in Italy but still do not know the cause of the electrical failure. They are going to keep the car another week to trouble shoot. So this new car is on its third repair at the dealership in the 2 months since I have owned it and will be in the shop 2 and a half to 3 weeks so far. I believe I have a lemon on a new model year car. I asked the dealership for an exchange to a new Tonale but they said it’s the manufacturers problem not theirs . Please help in anyway you can! Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service Brakes 12 Read
I was in the 10 East, in upland, 300 yard after Euclid exit, I just got into the freeway, there was a lot of traffic, we were going slow and my breaks totally stop working!!!! And I hit the car in front of me !!!
The contact owns a 2019 alfa romeo stelvio. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle had an oil change. After leaving the independent mechanic, the contact was driving at 65 mph approaching an intersection, the ani-collision warning light illuminated. The contact applied the brake pedal which failed to operate correctly and became difficult to depress causing the contact to crash into the vehicle located in front of her vehicle. No air bags deployed. No injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision shop as the vehicle was assisted for damages with the contact insurance company. To vehicle then was towed to her residents and then towed again to alfa romeo of westbury 928 jericho tpke, westbury, ny 11590 (888) 411-8719 where it was awaiting repair options. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and started an investigation however was unable to duplicate the cause of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,300.*ln
I have found a huge barrier to getting my brakes serviced as Alfa Romeo makes it impossible for an independent mechanic to acquire the necessary brake hardware to keep my car safely on the road. 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale already has a formal federal safety recall regarding a brake pedal collapse defect. I am concerned that my vehicle, having less than 33k miles, already needs front and rear brakes and rotors even though I do not drive it in an aggressive or rough manner
Engine,fuel/propulsion System 11 Read
Hello, I was driving in the highway at highway speed and my engine shutdown with any sort of warning. I almost caused a huge accident. After I took it to the Alfa Romeo dealer, I had to replace the fuel pump according to the dealer, which is a common problem. I think Alfa Romeo should do a recall on the fuel pump. I also,scratched my car due to this incident avoiding a bigger accident. This car needs to be recalled for fuel pump repairs for all the car with the old bad fuel pump design. Thank you
I experienced an unexpected Loss of Motive Power (LOMP) event. Late afternoon traffic was fast, estimate 75-80 MPH. I attempted to change lanes get to the righthand shoulder and was very nearly involved in a high-speed collision with a semi-petroleum tank truck. He applied his brakes to avoid hitting me and started to jackknife, but regained control and continued. The truck missed by inches. At this point I had NO remaining power and was essentially coasting until I managed to cross the remaining two lanes of traffic to the shoulder emergency lane. I reset the error codes and continued home with no further occurrences. The incident produced the following warning lamps: Electronic Throttle Control Failure, Start/Stop System Failure and Check Engine, then a few seconds later the Limp Mode/LOMP event. I carry an OBD Scanning Tool with me to be able to clear the error codes when I encounter them. They are typically a cascading event that can result in LOMP. I have experienced a total of 26 of these error lamp events since 4/19/22 which have resulted in 3 LOMP's. The remaining 23 events I was able to reset before the inevitable LOMP. This is the first LOMP that nearly caused a fatal accident, the remainder I was able to safely find a place to stop to perform the resets. There is an active Manufacturer Recall Number93C, NHTSA Recall Number25V-586 that may cover this issue. The Recall Status is "Incomplete, remedy not yet available." The Alfa Romeo dealership has no
Unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA. Percentages are shares of all 363 Alfa Romeo complaints.
Alfa Romeo against the rest
| Measure | Where Alfa Romeo sits | Out of |
|---|---|---|
| By complaint volume | #0 | 29 brands with 3,000+ complaints |
| By age at failure (later is better) | #0 | 29 brands |
| Complaints ending in a crash | 7.4% | across all 363 reports |
Ranking by volume says more about how many cars a brand sells than about how they hold up. Age at failure is the fairer of the two.
Compare Alfa Romeo with the rest
Alfa Romeo problems by model
7 Alfa Romeo models have owner complaints on file. Pick one for its worst years, failing systems and what owners actually wrote.
Owners reported these. Find out if yours is one of them.
- Complaints matched to the exact production run, not just the model
- What the car is worth given what tends to fail on it
- The original window sticker and factory options
- Full research report as a PDF for the pre-purchase inspection
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
Every figure here comes from complaints owners filed with NHTSA — 1,100,006 of them, covering 1,982 models built between 1981 and 2026.
A complaint is an unverified report: someone wrote down what happened to their car. It is not a confirmed defect and not a recall. What makes the volume useful is the pattern — when thousands of owners of the same build describe the same failure, that is a signal no marketing brochure will give you.
Two things we do that the source does not. First, we compute the age of the car at the moment of failure from the incident date and the model year. Second, we group complaints by the first 11 characters of the VIN — the production series — so a bad plant run does not disappear into a model-wide average.
Frequently asked questions
How reliable is Alfa Romeo?
Owners have filed 363 complaints across 7 Alfa Romeo models. On its own that number reflects how many Alfa Romeo cars are on the road — compare the average age at failure (4.64 years) instead.
What breaks most often on a Alfa Romeo?
The most reported system is Fuel/propulsion System with 46 complaints.
Do Alfa Romeo problems show up under warranty?
30.7% of Alfa Romeo complaints describe something that happened in the first three years, while the factory warranty was likely still running.
Which Alfa Romeo model has the most complaints?
See the model list above — each card shows its complaint count, and the model page breaks it down by year and by system.