Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and it carries 11 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 24 | 19% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 9% |
| Engine | 10 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 4% |
| Fuel system | 4 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 3% |
| Engine | 3 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000( Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, even after recei
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
I am reporting an authorized manufacturer franchise dealer for actively refusing to remedy a federal safety recall and unlawfully withholding my vehicle. My vehicle is a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [Insert VIN]), whi
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost drive power. The message "Service Electronic Throttle" was displayed, and the check engine warni
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
Car stalled on highway leaving my life at risk and dealer has no date to repair fuel line
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, another motorist informed the driver that there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle w
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
There is no fix for this. The fuel pump foe the Stelvio is recalled almost a year ago. The engine light comes on and the car is undriveable. I have paid for 2 new fuel pumps and control module (out of pocket) , and the c
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stat
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Fix: 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
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles, equipped with 2.0L engines. These engines may misfire causing the catalytic converter to overheat, possibly resulting in damage to the nearby wiring and engine components.
Risk: Heat damage to the engine compartment wiring or components can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles for diagnostic codes, and update the engine control module software, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2018. Owners may
Alfa Romeo (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) may indicate an inaccurate fuel level that displays higher than the actual amount.
Risk: The vehicle may be operated without enough fuel in the tank causing a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Alfa Romeo will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Alfa Rom
FCA US LLC (Alfa Romeo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2017-2019 Giulia vehicles. The Brake System Module (BSM) software may prevent the driver from disabling the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) after the traction control system detects a specific wheel slip.
Risk: The driver's inability to deactivate the ACC can increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Alfa Romeo has notified owners, and dealers will update the BSM software, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service 1-800-853-1403. The Alfa Ro
| Reliability raw | 58 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 64 | average |
| Maintenance | 72 | good |
| Depreciation | 62 | average |
| Performance | 62 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel system is the most reported area with 24 of them (19%). There are 11 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 58/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 64/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2018 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 61/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.