2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio problems
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Type 949) is a car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2016. As a D-segment model it slots above the smaller Tonale model in the marque's SUV range. A large SUV, it was first revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, introduced by a 60" short film directed by Louis Sebastian Pane, and entered production at the Cassino Plant at the end of 2016. In 2018 it was Alfa Romeo's best-selling model, with roughly 43,000 sold that year.
The Stelvio uses FCA's Giorgio platform, shared with the D-segment Giulia saloon. The name Stelvio derives from the Stelvio Pass, Italy's highest mountain pass, noted for its 48 circuitous switchbacks.
Characteristics
The Stelvio uses the same Giorgio platform already used by the Giulia, but slightly modified and raised by 22 cm (8.7 in). The Stelvio also shares the same engines and most of the mechanics, including a carbon-fibre driveshaft. In addition, its track width has increased by 2.9 cm (1.1 in) in the rear and 5.4 cm (2.1 in) in the front. It has a boot capacity of 525 L (18.5 cu ft). The boot sill is aligned with the rear bumper and cargo does not need to be lifted over a lip when being removed. There are large vehicle blind spots behind the car's pillars. It has a 50/50 weight distribution and a drag coefficient of 0.32 (Cd). Euro NCAP classify it as a large off-road car.
In order to reduce the weight of the car, aluminium is used for body panels, as well as for mechanical parts such as the suspension, brakes, and engine. The suspension, called AlfaLink, implements double wishbones in the front, and an aluminium multi-link configuration in the rear. The springs are longer than those in the Giulia, but stiffer to account for the extra weight and ride height. The driver sits nearly 20 cm (7.9 in) higher from the road than in the Giulia. The suspension is tuned for improved handling and driving dynamics, which can compromise ride quality if optional larger-diameter wheels are fitted.
Rear-wheel drive as standard, the Stelvio can be optioned with an Alfa Romeo "Q4" all-wheel drive system, which can send up to 50% of power to the front in low-grip conditions. The Stelvio weighs 1,660 kg (3,660 lb) with all fluids, 145 kg (320 lb) less than an equivalent BMW X3 and 110 kg (243 lb) less than a four-cylinder Porsche Macan. The car's braking system is designed to be less-susceptible to brake fade, which can take time for unfamiliar drivers to get used to.
All models feature an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard, while small tweaks have been made throughout the ranges.
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Common 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio problems
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a compact luxury crossover SUV introduced in 2016, has garnered a reputation for temperamental reliability, with several common problems reported by owners.
One of the most frequently cited issues is an oil leak, which can occur due to corrosion at the connectors, potentially causing the liftgate to open unexpectedly while driving at low speeds. This issue can create a hazard on the road by dislodging cargo from the vehicle.
Another problem reported by Stelvio owners is recurring spark plug issues, which can cause white smoke to appear from the tailpipes and prevent the SUV from staying running. These problems are often associated with the same cylinder, requiring frequent replacements every few months due to issues with the fuel rail and fuel mixture.
Electrical system issues have also been reported, affecting the functionality of windshield wipers in rainy conditions and lights during nighttime. These problems can compromise the driver's visibility, making it difficult to navigate the road safely.
Additionally, damage from overheating can lead to fires within the engine compartment, causing the engine to stall and increasing the risk of a vehicular collision.
While the 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has shown improvements in long-term reliability and consumer reviews, it still has some drawbacks, such as low-rent interior pieces, unintuitive infotainment controls, and high ownership costs.
It's important to note that the wait for Alfa Romeo parts is currently several months long, which can be a significant issue should any problems arise.
Despite these common problems, some owners still appreciate the Stelvio's sharp steering, precise handling, and high level of standard equipment and performance at a competitive price. However, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider the costs and potential inconveniences associated with Alfa Romeo ownership.
What is the most common problem with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Reliability Issues
- Windshield wipers malfunctioning.
- Headlights randomly shutting off.
Are the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio reliable?
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Is a Stelvio expensive to maintain?
Compared to its competition, interestingly, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in 2.0T Veloce trim is regarded as one of the most affordable cars to maintain, according to the aforementioned AA Spare Parts Pricing guide. This is familiar for Alfa Romeo, though, as even the Giulia saloon also received the same accolade.
What year Stelvio is the best?
Overall, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an excellent choice for a sleek luxury vehicle from a well-known manufacturer. We recommend the 2017, 2020, or 2021 years for the best results.
2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Alfa romeo Stelvio problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-31
- VIN: ZASPAKAN1M7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35–45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The “Do Not Drive” message was displayed. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V878000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-21
- VIN: ZASPAKBN0M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The battery shuts off the main screen making it difficult to navigate. The battery doesn't get charged adequately and that affects the electronic displays. This flaw could affect GPS, navigation as well as other essential electronic components.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-27
- VIN: ZASPAJAN7M7
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: As I am merging onto the highway during high traffic, I hear what sounded like a shotgun/explosion. I immediately swerve to the side of the highway, scared, alarmed, and in fear of causing a major accident. As I inspected the car, I noticed no damage to the body but only to find my sunroof glass was shattered. According to the experts, they stated "there is no apparent impact zone, and if there was, it would show damage inconsistent to what actually occurred here." Looking at the images/videos taken from the incident, the sunroof appeared to have imploded outward, and nothing penetrated the glass from outside forces aka. a rock, a bird, debris, etc... The entire sides of the sunroof all broke outwards. The corporate people at Alfa Romeo said it was due to 'outside forces' but with no evidence of such. This is clearly a manufacturer problem, and if not addressed, can cause severe injuries and in worst case, fatalities. The car has less than 8k miles and is brand new. I am traumatized, concerned and frankly upset about this whole ordeal.
2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2021-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The tire pressure and size information on the tire placard and manufacturer labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: Incorrect tire information can result in under-inflated tires or installing the incorrect-size tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: FCA will mail corrected tire placards and manufacturer overlay labels. Owners may bring the labels into a dealer for free installation. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 27, 2024. Some owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated November 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 81B.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
- Consequence: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:PRESSURE SENSOR
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
- Consequence: A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line sensor housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 11, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y91.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. Hard braking may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) rotor shaft to separate, a reduction of braking assist, and a loss of ABS.
- Consequence: The loss of braking assistance and ABS functionality can reduce overall braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS HCU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. An improperly crimped clamp may allow the side curtain air bag cushion and inflator to separate, causing an incomplete deployment or preventing the deployment of the air bag.
- Consequence: An incomplete deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag inflatable curtain assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 19, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y15.
Negative 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio car reviews
Positive 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio car reviews
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I have owned a Lamborghini Urus and I can tell you first hand that for the price difference of $150K the SQ is just as visceral and fun to drive as the Urus, while being lighter, smaller and more nimble. It feels very similar to a Ferrari F430 when it comes to shifting and handling. The exhaust tone is just as radical as the Urus. The interior is absolutely 100% sports car, especially the carbon fiber that envelopes the cabin. I am completely satisfied!! It's a great value for the money!!
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After 2 years of mostly flawless fun, we traded our Giulia in on a Stelvio TI! This thing is so much fun and it's fast and comfortable too. It handles like a sports sedan and really, nothing else in its class drove the way Stelvio does. We looked at other sporty SUVs, but just kept coming back to the Alfa! I get more looks and thumbs-ups than in the Giulia even. It's always fun to have the only Stelvio around... I absolutely love it!
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We are thrilled with our 2021 Stelvio. It handles beautifully and the color combination is head-turning. If you are a family that values a fancy, high tech sound system, this may not be the vehicle for you.
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We had a Giulia Quad but needed more room and ride height. The Stelvio Quad is outstanding and seems to drive as well as the Giulia but has AWD and clearance for bad roads. This car/SUV is so much fun and fantastic for road trips.
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The vehicle is not only stylishly appealing to the eye, but also comfortable and spacious enough to accommodate 5 adults. The car is fast and handles well in all climates, especially with the all-wheel drive. The drive train is smooth while shifting. I have leased Cadillacs, Mercedes, Audi's, and Range Rovers, but I must say that this car is truly a great vehicle. I was so satisfied with it that I decided to buy out my lease, and now I am happy to say that I own the vehicle. Moreover, if I ever wanted to sell it, I could profit 6-7K.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio problems:
Alfa Romeo Stelvio reliability? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Oct 18, 2023 ... I am seeing mixed opinions on reddit. One says Alfa Romeo is terrible interms of maintaining it and the other says such problem is only for ...
Reliability concerns | Alfa Romeo Stelvio Forum
Jan 23, 2022 ... I'm awaiting for my 2021 Stelvio to arrive any day now. It has been produced in December and it's taking them forever to deliver it.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Jul 27, 2023 ... Several people also complained about the Stelvio's problematic engine. According to a few reports, there seems to be an issue with the vehicles' ...
Reliability concerns... | Alfa Romeo Stelvio Forum
Jan 25, 2020 ... Don't run a QV out of gas (or really low on gas) and you shouldn't get the press car issues. 2018 Stelvio Ti Sport: Misano Blue with yellow ...
2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Alfa romeo Stelvio
Are you having problems with your 2021 Alfa romeo Stelvio?
Tyrique Schuppe 2024-08-03
I've owned several top-end SUVs in the past, including the Volvo XC60, VW Eos, BMW X5, and RAV4. However, my experience with the Stelvio was a bit disappointing. Unfortunately, just a month after taking delivery, the battery died. Although the battery was replaced, I was advised to lock the car when it was in the garage, as something was draining the battery. Two months later, the new battery was flat again. I took the car to Alfa Service, but they couldn't find anything wrong. Additionally, the car developed an odd grinding noise in the rear wheels when reversing and straightening. As someone who values reliability, I decided to sell the car with only 7500 km on the clock and purchased a Peugeot 3008, which has been an absolute delight. I did find Alfa Service to be somewhat disinterested, and I noticed that the dealership in Brighton no longer sells Alfas.
Adrian Tremblay 2024-06-16
This vehicle has been extremely unreliable and the service has been poor. The check engine light has been on since the first day of ownership and the dealers have been unable to provide a loaner or service for over two weeks. Despite dropping off the vehicle for service and Ubering home, it has been three weeks and the car is still not repaired. The car has spent more time in service than in my driveway, and I have only owned it for less than 45 days. The scripted 'Alfa-Care' hotline has been unapologetic and uncaring. I am beginning a lemon-law claim. This poor service experience is unacceptable, especially considering the high price of nearly $100k.
Ethan Halvorson 2024-02-09
I've owned a Porsche, a Benz, and a G35, but with a family, I decided to try the Alfa. I must say, the handling is amazing, and the design is gorgeous. It's spacious enough for me and the kids, and the gas mileage is decent. However, there are a few issues that I encountered. Firstly, it dings and rings every time you get close to another car or curb, and the front yells at you when it bottoms. Secondly, there's no touch screen, which is surprising for a car in 2019. Thirdly, there's no spare tire, and finding a replacement tire is a challenge. I had to pay $309 for a screw in the tire. The storage space for change, keys, etc. is also quite limited. Lastly, the hands-free feature can be quite annoying as it keeps switching back to inside the car even when you're not in it. Despite these issues, it's still a sexy car. However, I've learned that looks aren't everything, and the extra effort required to maintain it may not be worth it. UPDATE: Unfortunately, right before its second year, it fell apart. The battery died, water leaked into the passenger door, frying the electrical system and destroying the speaker. After two weeks in the shop, it died again with the same problem. I finally decided to get rid of it.