Check a VIN

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: engine failure

5 of the 138 complaints about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio describe engine failure.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
4%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 25 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    3
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    5

What owners say

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

Similar to Investigation PE24000, my 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio fuel pump failed during low speed driving in a parking garage. The car was rendered inoperable and would not restart. The engine failed while driving and only due to my low speed and lack of traffic at that moment, I was able to maneuver the car safely to a stop. The dealership identified the issue as relating to the fuel pump, vey similar to the Low Pressure Fuel Pump Assembly Failure investigation PE24000 run by investigator Arnaldo Torres Diaz. Just wanted to provide the information to encourage Fiat Chrysler to expand this repair into a recall for Alfa Stelvio models that also share the Alfa Giulia 2.0 liter four cylinder engine.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NY

My 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio was diagnosed by a certified Alfa Romeo dealer with a major engine defect involving coolant mixing with oil. The diagnosis revealed internal failure likely stemming from the oil cooler or head gasket, and the parts estimate alone was over $17,000 — not including labor. The dealer confirmed the issue but stated no recalls apply and denied warranty coverage. The car showed early signs like minor overheating and coolant loss, but no clear warning lamps or check engine lights until the issue escalated. This defect significantly increases the risk of engine failure, overheating, or loss of power while driving — posing a serious safety concern. I have since discovered multiple other owners reporting the exact same problem in Alfa Romeo forums and consumer complaint sites. The dealer has confirmed the issue but refused support. I believe this may reflect a broader design flaw affecting many vehicles and should be investigated for potential recall.

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Engine · IN

Was driving home with my fourteen year old daughter and started to smell a burning smell and began to lose power in the vehicle. Warning light came on that oil level was low. Pulled over as safely as I could on a busy four lane road and opened the hood and saw engine oil and coolant mixed and sprayed all over the engine. Car had never leaked any type of fluids prior to this incident. Had the car towed to one repair shop and was told it would need a new engine. Had it towed to an Alfa Romeo dealer two hours away and was told it needed a new engine too. Initial quote from dealer for a new engine and labor was $22,000. This car is barely worth $20,000. Third party warranty (I bought car used from a dealer) will only pay for gaskets. After weeks of warranty company asking for tear downs of engine and other things, price has risen to $35,000! While reasearching engine malfunctions on Alfa Romeo Stelvios, I have come across many people with similar sitations as mine. Engine replacements at 30,000, 40,000, 50,000 miles. My car has 39,000 miles. This should never happen to car with such low mileage. Called Alfa Romeo customer care and was told that previous owner was not compliant with maintenance and warranty was voided. How do they know that for sure? Just because you don't get your vehicle serviced at the dealership, your noncompliant? I believe that this needs to be looked at from a safety perspective that Alfa Romeo is not doing. During loss of power on busy road and only being able to go 10 mph, we could have easily been rear ended. This total abuse of negligence from Alfa Romeo to recall these engines and fix them, to the warranty company not paying for the engine replacement/repairs, and to the dealer that is charging this extreme amount of money for this. Car insurance will not pay for this as this is mechanical and was not involved in a collision.

Filed Sep 26, 2023 · Engine · IN

Engine blew at a bit over 40000 miles. There were regular oil changes and service done. The car of this quality and price should never have the engine blown at this amount of miles. It happened right after oil change and inspection, which confirmed everything was fine with the vehicle.

Filed May 18, 2021 · Engine · MI

I orchard my car used, but still under warranty. Within a week it has shut down with a service engine error. I was told it was the power control module (PCM) both times. There's no logical reason, I know of for a car with only 40K miles on it to have an engine failure such as the PCM. Both times both dealerships stated that the game was coming from the solenoids and having a misfire caused by the PCM.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittingsReported September 14, 2018 · 674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V635000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?

5 of 138 owner complaints about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (4%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?

There is 1 recall and 25 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Check engine light 28Fuel pump 25Loss of power 17Stalling 16Start-stop 10Won't shift 10Warning lights 7Won't start 7ABS 5Fire or smoke 5Headlights 5Hesitation 5Overheating 5Water leak 5

All model years of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history