Alfa Romeo Stelvio engine failure problems

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 44,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving on two occasions at undisclosed speeds, the check engine, oil, and the Automatic START/STOP System Unavailable warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice; however, on the first occasion, the failure was not duplicated. During the second visit, the contact was informed that the coolant was mixing into the engine oil, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that several unstated parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Engine · FL

The engine oil cooling system failed on my 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0T at approximately 45,000 miles. The failure caused engine oil to contaminate the engine coolant system, creating a brown/milky “milkshake” substance inside the coolant reservoir and throughout the cooling system. The dealership diagnosed the issue as an internal oil cooler/oil filter housing failure. The contamination affected multiple cooling system components, and the dealership estimated approximately $8,300 in repairs, including replacement of multiple cooling system parts. The manufacturer offered partial goodwill assistance toward the repair cost. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle displayed low coolant and low oil symptoms. I had to add approximately one quart of engine oil. I am concerned this premature failure could create a safety risk due to possible overheating or engine failure while driving. The vehicle had been maintained normally and had not previously overheated. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Alfa Romeo dealership.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I am writing to formally request an investigation into a serious safety defect affecting my 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio . I believe this issue is part of a broader pattern of manufacturing and design flaws that have compromised both safety and reliability •My vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure, resulting in a total repair estimate of approximately $32,000. This failure occurred without prior warning signs and is highly unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Based on public recall data for the 2020 Stelvio, the following safety recalls may be related to my vehicle’s failure: •21V878 (Nov 2021): Fuel line sensor housing crack—potential for fuel leak, engine stall, or fire risk. •23V382 (May 2023): Cracks in carbon-ceramic brake rotors—risk of fracture under stress. •24V943 (Dec 2024): Loose connection between brake pedal and booster—risk of loss of braking effectiveness. •24V510 (Jul 2024): Faulty seatbelt buckle sensor—could prevent proper airbag deployment. These defects raise questions about the integrity and safety of critical vehicle systems. I request that my vehicle be evaluated for recall applicability and, if eligible, covered under required repair programs •The failure rendered my vehicle inoperable, imposing an immense financial burden due to the exorbitant repair cost. •I believe this is not an isolated incident but indicative of a systemic defect. •If unresolved, this poses ongoing safety risks to me, my passengers, and other road users. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: 1.Initiate an investigation into whether this engine failure is representative of a larger safety defect across the 2020 Stelvio vehicle population. 2.Review the applicability of relevant recalls (listed above) to my VIN. 3.Require Alfa Romeo to provide recall remedies, reimbursement, or a goodwill resolution where appropriate. 4. Issue a technical directive (TSB or recall) if a broader manufacturing defect is identified. Thank you

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 Feb 14, 2024 · Engine · 72,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a blown head gasket which resulted in engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover half the cost for a new engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The VIN was not available.

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 Sep 13, 2023 · Engine · 45,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant had entered the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

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.