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2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio carries 11 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hoses/lines/piping/fittings and wiring. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Body control module failure after water intrusion.” Modern Alfas let the car call for its own oil changes, with a hard ceiling of 10,000 miles or 12 months. Treat that ceiling as a limit, not a target; the indicator commonly asks for oil between 4,000 and 8,000 miles, and severe use mandates 4,000. Brake fluid is every 2 years on every model, no exceptions. Spark plug intervals on the Giulia and Stelvio 2.0T moved from 30,000 miles on 2017 and 2018 cars to 60,000 on later years with the same plug, and owners report heavy wear at 60,000, so we lean toward 30,000. On the classics, the Busso V6 in the Milano and 164 is a belt engine that destroys itself if the belt or tensioner lets go; do belt, tensioner, and usually the water pump every 30,000 miles or 4 to 5 years and sleep well.

11 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

Campaign #18V635000 · Sep 14, 2018

Issue: 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 number for this recall is U99.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V636000 · Sep 14, 2018

Issue: 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 contact Chrysler customer service at 1-844-253-2872. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA4.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #19V551000 · Jul 25, 2019

Issue: 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 Romeo's number for this recall is V84.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Campaign #19V148000 · Jan 3, 2019

Issue: 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 Romeo number for this recall is V27.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Campaign #17V823000 · Dec 20, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. The braking system on these vehicles may have been filled with contaminated brake fluid, possibly damaging the system and affecting its performance.

Risk: A reduction in braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Alfa Romeo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the braking system, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service at 1-844-253-2872. Chrysler's number for this recall is T84.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Campaign #18V205000 · Mar 29, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. Water may leak into the body control module and its connectors, causing corrosion. This corrosion can cause illumination of one or more malfunction indicator lamps, a loss of windshield wiper function, a loss of exterior lighting, a loss of horn function and/or unintended turn signal activation.

Risk: Electrical malfunctions such as windshield wipers that may not work in the rain and lights that may not work at night increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install additional sealing protection to prevent water from entering the body control module and its connectors. The recall began on April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U36.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #18V203000 · Mar 29, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. Water may Leak into the wiring connectors for the rear liftgate and the liftgate-opening switch, causing corrosion.

Risk: Corrosion at the connectors may cause the liftgate to unintentionally open while moving at speeds of less than 3 miles per hour, allowing cargo to fall out of the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install additional protection against water leaking into the liftgate wiring connectors and switch, free of charge. The recall began April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U34.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Campaign #18V147000 · Jun 3, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The software for the wiper motor may incorrectly interpret the wiper motor as overheating, limiting the windshield wipers to operating only at the low-speed setting. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Risk: Limited wiper function can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began on April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U24.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Campaign #23V382000 · May 30, 2023

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018-2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles equipped with carbon ceramic matrix brakes. During certain driving maneuvers, the brake system may exert an excessive clamp force that may fracture the rotor, decreasing the brake performance.

Risk: An unexpected decrease in brake performance increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the brake system module (BSM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 68A.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #24V510000 · Mar 7, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #25V586000 · Sep 9, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of fuel flow and loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 7, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 93C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 16, 2025. The information in your report suggests that Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Reported to NHTSA

Body control module failure after water intrusion

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2024-06

“ON MAY 9, 2018, THE VEHICLE UNDERWENT THE RECALL #U36/NHTSA18V-205 TO SEAL THE POTENTIAL WATER INTRUSION THAT WOULD AFFECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. HOWEVER, ON DECEMBER 16, 2019, A NOTICEABLE AMOUNT OF WATER WAS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307971
“Body control module While driving in rain, received multiple incorrect messages on dash screen, horn began to beep. Unable to turn horn off until parking and disconnecting the negative battery cable. Had body control module replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498711
“The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the interior lights were inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11597182

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof shattering while driving

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-04

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AROUND 65 - 70 MPH MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339475
“DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD (THANK GOODNESS), NO TRAFFIC CLOSE BY, NO OVERPASS AND GOING ABOUT 45MPH. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOT GUN IN MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208131
“I was driving down a smooth California freeway at about 70mph..It was about 72 degrees out, I had my A/C at about 65 degrees, Sunroof closed, along with all windows & all of a sudden, my Sunroof exploded”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11516936

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure and unrepaired recall 25V-586

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

51 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-08

“Car stalled on highway leaving my life at risk and dealer has no date to repair fuel line”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755048
“I was told I was on a priority list to have this recall fixed. My Stelvio is virtually undrivable. It continues to lose power when acceleration and goes into limp mode”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752236
“NHTSA safety recall 25V-586 was issued on September 9, 2025. It has now been eight months without a resolution from the manufacturer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738025

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ground strap corrosion causing wiring damage

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-08

“Ground wire to starter had corroded and broke into. Wife tried to start the vehicle and saw smoke coming up out of the hood. This caused the main wiring harness to burn and wires to fall apart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664142
“When attempting to start the car using the push-button on the steering wheel, the engine did not crank and several system alerts were visible on the display (no warnings prior to this)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563485
“I own a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 102,000 miles. The vehicle recently experienced an electrical issue caused by a failed ground strap — a known problem in these vehicles that is widely reported by other owners”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682898

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil and coolant system failures

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2026-08

“It's well known by Alfa Romeo/Chrystler, Stelvio owners and certified Alfa Romeo mechanics that the O-ring in the oil send/receive/turbo lines is faulty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714552
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11564673
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673784

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration when brake pedal applied

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2019-06

“SOMETIMES WHEN BRAKES ARE INITIATED THE ENGINE ACCELERATES AND SPEEDS UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11102730
“DEPRESSED BRAKE CAME TO A STOP THEN ENGINE REVVED UP AND CAR TOOK OFF WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE HAD TO ENGAGE CAR INTO PARK TO GET IT INTO STOP VERY DANGEROUS THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN SECOND TIME I'VE REPORTED TO NHTSA CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11110074
“I WAS DRIVING SOUTH BOUND ON THE 605 IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BROKE AND AS I ENGAGED IN THE BRAKE IT BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND SPED UP AFTER I ENGAGED THEM. CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222521

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter Change

Every 10,000 mi

As the indicator demands, never past 10,000 miles or 12 months (350 engine hours on the 4C and Tonale). Severe duty means 4,000-mile changes. Classic-era cars: annual at minimum, with shorter intervals under hard use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Every 2 years regardless of mileage, on every model from Spider to Tonale. This one is mandatory in the factory plan.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Timing Belt (Busso V6 classics)

Every 30,000 mi

Milano and 164 V6s: belt, tensioner, and usually water pump every 30,000 miles or 4 to 5 years, whichever comes first. Paper intervals as long as 50,000 miles exist, but documented failures are usually tensioners, and age matters as much as miles. The classic Spider's twin-cam uses a chain and skips this. Modern engines are all chain-driven.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Service Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000-mile service bundles brake, belt, battery, tire, and fluid inspections plus a diagnostic scan. Skipping documented services can put warranty coverage at risk on newer cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

With each service where fitment allows; Quadrifoglio models run staggered sizes that cannot rotate and get wear-checked instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

2.0T: 30,000 miles on 2017 to 2018 cars, 60,000 on paper for later years with the same part; owner-reported wear at 60,000 argues for 30,000 either way. Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6: 30,000. Tonale 1.3T: 40,000. 4C: roughly 30,000 to 36,000 with a 3-year limit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 36,000 mi

Every 36,000 miles under normal conditions, every 10,000 in dusty ones. Tonale: 30,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Alfa calls the ZF 8-speed a lifetime fill; ZF recommends fresh fluid around 50,000 to 75,000 miles or 8 years, and we side with ZF. The 4C's TCT dual-clutch has its own schedule: level checks at each service, full change around 72,000 miles or 6 years. AWD cars also renew transfer-case fluid around 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Every 10,000 to 20,000 miles depending on model and conditions; sources split, so annually is the safe habit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Accessory Drive Belt

Every 36,000 mi

Every 36,000 miles or 4 years normal, half that in dusty or demanding use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Engine Coolant

Every 150,000 mi

Long-life coolant runs about 10 years or 150,000 miles on modern cars, including all three of the Tonale hybrid's cooling circuits. Classics need conventional coolant changed every 2 to 3 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Check

Every 10,000 mi

Tested at every service. Stop-start systems and the Tonale's hybrid electronics are sensitive to weak 12V batteries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio reflects Alfa Romeo's published service intervals and the Oil Life Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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