2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Electrical · PA · fire

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 the federal safety agency 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 ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Electrical · NY

Car wouldn’t start, was able to jump start and take to dealer. Front ground straps at both steering knuckles have been shorted and melted leaving exposed wires. New headlamp to dash harness is needed due to complete short. This has caused electrical issues causing ABS/Power steering/auto stop lights to randomly come on and off. Unable to drive in case car stops operating while driving due to shortage. Alfa Romeo dealer has confirmed this issue. Lights did not appear until after this occurred. After researching online this appears to be a common issue reported among people owning this 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio due to the harness/straps/wiring melting and corroding due to design flaw. Quoted $6,450 for total repair.

Filed May 31, 2025 · Electrical · IN · fire

Ground wire to starter had corroded and broke into. Wife tried to start the vehicle and saw smoke coming up out of the hood. This caused the main wiring harness to burn and wires to fall apart. The wires run from the front wheels up into the engine bay and throughout vehicle. The vehicle could have caught fire or could have possibly caused the brakes to fail while driving. I contacted Alfa Cares but they would not help cover cost (estimated approximately $9,000). This is not only a safety issue but a non maintenance for the customer issue. This isn’t a scheduled maintenance and is a product failure by the manufacturer. This issue should be a recall for both issues.This also caused all warning lights to come on the dash including steering, ABS, and about four other warning lights. Please consider this issue as a recall as Alfa doesn’t seem to care enough to take care of it and before someone gets hurt. The issue has been noted by an independent repair shop as well as an Alfa Romeo certified mechanic.

Filed Mar 7, 2025 · Brakes · WA

ABS module doesn’t work and only 2 wheels out of 4 have brakes. The car has only 55,000 miles! All 2019-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvios have open recalls about ABS module, but mine is 2018, although the installed ABS is manufactured 2018-2023 (what includes 2019-2021 that have Recalls!). I was driving and almost killed a man who was running across the road because my brakes didn't work!!! I can't drive a car without brakes and feel safe! The problem was indicated by few independent service centers. Alfa Romeo dealer knows about this COMMON issue but doesn’t want to take responsibility for it! I’ve got warning lamps right after my brakes were broken. Not even before! The car was fully serviced on time in the dealership! BRAKE, ESC, AST, P! Also can get an invoice from the repair center if needed!

Filed Jan 4, 2024 · Electrical · CT

When attempting to start the car using the push-button on the steering wheel, the engine did not crank and several system alerts were visible on the display (no warnings prior to this). Smoke began billowing from under the hood and left-front wheel arch after a few seconds. It was towed to the shop, the problem reproduced, and found to have a corroded main grounding wire going from the transmission to the frame. It is clear that the ground wire, which is not insulated or covered in any way, was not sufficiently grounding the electrical systems. Thus, the path of least resistance was the smaller gauge wiring in the electrical harness to include the ABS and starting/charging circuits which melted under the higher load. The extent of the damage is still being evaluated at the repair facility. This defect in the electrical circuitry could, at worst, have caused a fire, but thankfully just left us stranded. It is believed this problem could occur even while driving creating a serious condition and potential for an accident or injury.