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.
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
Engine failure by model year
- 20211
- 20203
- 20192
- 20185
What owners say
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.
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.
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.
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
- Bolt - hex flange head
- Oil Change Monitor Displaying Prematurely Customers may experience the following: ● The oil change light...
- Before replacing any parts please refer to SOL S2518000008 if it applies to the vehicle you are working on...
- Oil Change Monitor Displaying Prematurely Customers may experience the following: ● The oil change light...
- Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
- WiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT)
- Check engine lamp/Mil lamp-on. Engine misfires.
- No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings
- 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
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