RoadVitals

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
41
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
33%
of 126 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 41 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 41, in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 5, 2026

Car stalled on highway leaving my life at risk and dealer has no date to repair fuel line

NHTSA ID
11755048
Incident
Aug 5, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 16, 2026

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 stated that while driving 45 MPH and merging onto the highway, the vehicle entered Low Power Mode, forcing the contact to pull over to the side of the road. The contact then drove to the residence, where the vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the messages "Service Engine" and "Service Throttle Control" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel system was bled. The dealer later informed the contact that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel delivery module (FDM) were replaced in July 2025. The contact related the failure to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID
11744462
Incident
Jul 31, 2025
Mileage
62,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 12, 2026

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding serious engine issues I have experienced with my Alfa Romeo vehicle. The ongoing mechanical problems have created significant inconvenience, financial hardship, and concerns regarding the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Since owning the vehicle, I have experienced persistent engine-related problems including [loss of power/engine stalling/check engine light/oil consumption/rough idling/etc.]. Despite attempts to address the issue through repairs and maintenance, the problem continues to occur. These recurring issues have negatively impacted my ability to reliably use the vehicle for daily transportation. In addition, I am concerned that these issues may reflect a manufacturing defect or unresolved mechanical problem that has not been properly corrected. I have made efforts to have the vehicle inspected and repaired, yet the condition persists, resulting in continued frustration and unexpected expenses. I respectfully request the following: * reimbursement for repair costs related to the engine issue * Documentation regarding any recalls, technical service bulletins, or known engine defects associated with this model * Assistance in resolving this matter promptly and fairly I would appreciate a written response outlining the next steps to resolve this complaint. I hope to settle this issue professionally without needing to escalate the matter further through consumer protection agencies, warranty enforcement, or legal channels. Please contact me at your earliest convenience regarding this matter.

NHTSA ID
11737420
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 1, 2026

I experienced an unexpected Loss of Motive Power (LOMP) event. Late afternoon traffic was fast, estimate 75-80 MPH. I attempted to change lanes get to the righthand shoulder and was very nearly involved in a high-speed collision with a semi-petroleum tank truck. He applied his brakes to avoid hitting me and started to jackknife, but regained control and continued. The truck missed by inches. At this point I had NO remaining power and was essentially coasting until I managed to cross the remaining two lanes of traffic to the shoulder emergency lane. I reset the error codes and continued home with no further occurrences. The incident produced the following warning lamps: Electronic Throttle Control Failure, Start/Stop System Failure and Check Engine, then a few seconds later the Limp Mode/LOMP event. I carry an OBD Scanning Tool with me to be able to clear the error codes when I encounter them. They are typically a cascading event that can result in LOMP. I have experienced a total of 26 of these error lamp events since 4/19/22 which have resulted in 3 LOMP's. The remaining 23 events I was able to reset before the inevitable LOMP. This is the first LOMP that nearly caused a fatal accident, the remainder I was able to safely find a place to stop to perform the resets. There is an active Manufacturer Recall Number93C, NHTSA Recall Number25V-586 that may cover this issue. The Recall Status is "Incomplete, remedy not yet available." The Alfa Romeo dealership has noted the P0191-00 error and replaced the fuel pressure sensor on 2/23/23, but this did not solve the problem. Owner's forums, and now the Manufacturer/NHTSA recall have reported this as a known problem, so I have been clearing my own error codes in order to at least have a car to drive. In my mind, this nuisance has now become a potentially very dangerous condition.

NHTSA ID
11728569
Incident
Dec 20, 2025
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Feb 17, 2026

November 26th my car went into LOMP mode. But then restored itself. December 3rd my car went into LOMP mode again and had not recovered along with a slew of ALARMS. I have been using uber and rental cars since this issue. Highly likely this is a fuel pump issue but unable to determine as the authorized shop is 2hours away and the car will not make it there. I need a remedy I have been out of a car for months now and the recall has no remedy!

NHTSA ID
11718487
Incident
Dec 3, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 2, 2026

Subject: Safety Complaint – Open Recall with No Remedy Available I am filing a safety complaint regarding my vehicle, which currently has an open recall with no available remedy. Manufacturer Recall Number: 93C NHTSA Recall Number: 25V-586 VIN: [XXX] After learning about this recall, I have experienced the exact issues described. When the vehicle is exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light illuminates, along with the check engine light and the auto stop-start warning light. When this occurs, the vehicle begins to sputter and loses power. It will not properly a-ccelerate and significantly reduces speed while driving. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. A sudden loss of power or inability to accelerate could easily result in a collision, potentially causing serious injury or death. There is currently no remedy available for this recall, yet the vehicle remains in operation on public roads. I do not feel the vehicle is safe to drive under these conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further and require the manufacturer to provide an immediate and effective remedy. Owners should not be placed in a position where they must operate an unsafe vehicle while waiting for a repair solution. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11715082
Incident
Jan 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Jan 30, 2026

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. Spewing oil into the engine compartment and engine components and accessories i.e., belts, brake components creating a major liability for Alfa Romeo. The smoke from burning oil is overwhelming and visible inside the cabin throughout the interior of this car. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL ALFA ROMEO STELVIO OWNERS WITH THE 2018 MODEL.

NHTSA ID
11714552
Incident
Jul 3, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 21, 2025

My 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio experienced a complete electrical failure and will not start at all. The vehicle suddenly lost all functionality and remains fully inoperable. The dealership has had the vehicle for an extended period and has been unable to diagnose or repair the defect. This appears to be related to known electrical issues in 2018 Stelvio models, including BCM (Body Control Module) failures, wiring faults, and fuel system defects reported in recalls and TSBs. A no-start electrical failure is a serious safety concern because similar defects in this model have been linked to unexpected engine shut-offs. The vehicle has been out of service for over 30 days. This is a major safety and reliability issue. I am requesting that NHTSA review this defect, because the manufacturer has not provided a resolution.

NHTSA ID
11700765
Incident
Oct 20, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 60-75 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted the following day, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where it was scanned, and a DTC for low fuel volume was retrieved. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000( Fuel System, Gasoline), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11700554
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Mileage
110,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Oct 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed, and DTC: P008A (Low-pressure fuel system pressure is too low) was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was waiting for an available service appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11694665
Incident
Oct 15, 2025
Mileage
90,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2025

I’m having fuel pump issues which it came to my knowledge there was a recall with no remedy

NHTSA ID
11693186
Incident
Oct 1, 2025
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 24, 2025

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The low-pressure fuel pump (fuel delivery module) appears to be failing, consistent with Recall 25V-586 / Alfa Romeo Campaign 93C. This causes fuel starvation and loss of motive power. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has experienced loss of motive power (LOMP) while driving. At times it jerks or hesitates when accelerating from a stop, and while climbing a hill it suddenly lost power, displayed a Service Electronic Throttle warning, and went into limp mode. This created a risk of being unable to accelerate safely in traffic, increasing the chance of being rear-ended or unable to merge. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. I described the symptoms to Alfa Romeo Service dept, and they told me it is related to the recall and that other customers have reported the same symptoms and warning lights. However, they advised that there is currently no remedy available, and I must wait for the fix before scheduling an appointment. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. Alfa Romeo advised that no remedy is available at this time, so the vehicle has not been formally inspected by the dealer or manufacturer. Advised not to drive long distances until fix determined. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Check Engine Light and Service Electronic Throttle came on as car lost power and entered limp mode with code P0299. Alfa Romeo Service Dept tech said these warnings match the recall. Rep said this shows how loss of motive power from fuel starvation manifests electronically & ECU interprets fuel starvation as underboost, which then triggers limp mode.

NHTSA ID
11689322
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 17, 2025

Description of the Problem: While operating the vehicle, multiple warning lights illuminated including the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light, the check engine light, and other unknown warning indicators. In addition, several warning messages were displayed, including “Service Engine Soon” and other unknown messages. When this occurs, the vehicle begins to overheat, the auto start/stop function becomes disabled, and the vehicle loses power and will not accelerate as expected. Component or System Failed / Malfunctioned: The exact component is unknown at this time. The failure appears to be related to the engine, powertrain, or electronic control systems. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The vehicle’s failure to accelerate and overheating while in motion creates a serious safety hazard. This puts the driver and passengers at risk, especially if the loss of acceleration occurs in high-speed traffic, intersections, or on highways. Reproduction of the Problem: The issue has recurred multiple times. It has not yet been officially reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Inspections: At this time, the vehicle has not been formally inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Lamps, Messages, and Symptoms Prior to Failure: The problem is preceded by the illumination of the ESC light, the check engine light, and other unknown warning lights. The messages “Service Engine Soon” and others appear immediately prior to or during the failure. These warnings occur before the loss of acceleration and overheating. Additional Notes: The failures are ongoing and have occurred more than once, raising concerns about reliability and safety.

NHTSA ID
11687959
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2025

I had my radiator fail, lost all fluid and had to be towed. The car has 73,000 miles on it, is well maintained and garage kept. Alfa has sent the dealerships a Service Bulletin item about the issue, but never contacted the consumers about fixing it proactively. My son broke down on a highway, was able to limp the vehicle to a parking lot where the car had to be towed. The repair was done by Alfa and cost almost $3,000 No issues showed up prior. Once the fail happened the car was

NHTSA ID
11676919
Incident
Jul 16, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 25, 2025

The car never showed signs of an issue, I got on the car with my two children, when I attempted to start the car. The engine started smoking and smelled like burned plastic. We got out of the car, the smoke went on for about 15-30 seconds. After that the car did not start. The engine's wiring was charred. I was informed by the dealer a ground strap failed. This ground strap is exposed to the elements at the bottom of the engine and it's prone to corrode, rendering it useless and causing the electrical wiring to overheat and potentially start a fire.

NHTSA ID
11676106
Incident
Jun 19, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 15, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11673784
Incident
Jul 14, 2025
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 23, 2024

The engine has shut down in traffic on the following occasions: 1) July 2023 in The Woodlands, Texas. 2) Later that same day on [XXX] in Plantersville, Texas. 3) In August 2024, on [XXX] and 4) on [XXX] . My vehicle is available to the NHTSA upon request. On each occasion, except one, I was fortunate to be in the right hand lane and was able to pull over onto the shoulder before any could hit me. On [XXX] , near Richards, there was no shoulder and I was stopped within the single lane of westbound traffic. I was fortunate that traffic was light at that time and that it was daylight. After the first two incidents in 2023, I took it to Northside Imports in Spring, Texas (XXX) They were unable to duplicate the problem or determine what was the cause. On [XXX], I took the car back to Northside Imports and they determined that it needed a new fuel pump, seal and control module. (I was informed on Friday, [XXX] that the parts have been received and can be installed on [XXX].) Between the time that the fault was identified and the time the parts were available the car has failed on the highway twice, once on [XXX] and once on [XXX] . The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but Northside Imports in Spring, Texas. There were no warnings in advance of the shutdown. I was able to restart the vehicle after a short period of time after disconnecting the battery. Each time, it restarted in "limp" mode. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11615884
Incident
Jul 13, 2023
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the accelerator pedal travelled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle stalled. The ESC warning light, the check engine warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the message “Service Engine Soon" and other unknown messages were displayed. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the contact drove to the residence. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11608908
Incident
Aug 15, 2024
Mileage
120,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the interior lights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond while switching from Sport Mode to Economy Mode. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the Engine Stop/Start system was no longer operable while at a complete stop. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed a burning coolant odor, which increased while at a complete stop. The contact also stated that he noticed a water leak on the front passenger's side floor and a moldy odor after the vehicle had been in the rain. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V636000 (Electrical System, Engine, and Engine Cooling) and to another unknown recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11597182
Incident
Jun 25, 2024
Mileage
75,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 17, 2024

I was in the process of merging on the the express way when my vehicle threw a warning light, "service electronic throttle control" along with a "service engine" message and a check engine light. The vehicle went into a "limp" and had extremely poor acceleration, I was almost rear ended because the vehicle couldn't reach highways speeds fast enough. The vehicle has not yet been inspected my the manufacturer but I did some research on this issue and found it to be alarmingly common. There seems to be no clear answer to the reason for this and no sure repairs for the problem. This poses a safety risk to drivers as this problem seems to happen while accelerating. It can be dangerous if someone on the expressway is attempting to merge into 60mph traffic and hit "limp mode" at roughly 30. I believe an investigation need to be conducted regarding this followed by a recall of the affected part.

NHTSA ID
11594748
Incident
Jun 10, 2024
Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2024

I have had a sudden loss of coolant causing the engine to overheat. I have never had a leaking issue. But after research I’ve learned this is a common problem with this vehicle. My vehicle began to lose power causing the car to lose acceleration in traffic causing other vehicles to suddenly avoid hitting me and others. The problem has been confirmed.

NHTSA ID
11591873
Incident
May 31, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed May 31, 2024

Control throttle light resulting vehicle to go into a limp mode and power reduction.

NHTSA ID
11591699
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 22, 2024

Service electronic throttle control keeps going off and car goes into Lino mode and cannot go over a certain speed causing me to not be able to drive it

NHTSA ID
11590256
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 16, 2024

I have had several incidents with my Alfa Romero Stelvio losing power while driving, This problem has been going on for quite some time, i have had several parts changed out with the same results a few weeks or months later. I took the vehicle to Jim Ellis Alfa Romero for repairs and told them the vehicle was losing power while driving and was told that this problem has occurred on several Stelvios. I left my car with Jim Ellis and a few days later I was told all was good. I didn’t even get a mile away before I loss power again. I brought it back to Jim Ellis and left it again and a few hours later they called and said that the Stelvio needed a new turbocharger that would be $4000 plus installation fees. How is this possible if you told me you had taken care of the issue, and the car didn't even make it a mile.

NHTSA ID
11577798
Incident
Feb 16, 2024
Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2024

Please see the following reoccurring problems with the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Auto on/off failure has failed 3 times resulting in the check engine light coming on and the vehicle citing service engine. Additionally, the DNA selector doesn’t work when this occurs. The vehicle has been inspected by Southern Alfa Romeo of Norfolk. However, the system reset itself before they inspected. As such they found no evidence of failure. However, within a week the system is back in fault mode rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. I’ve noticed on several blogs that others owners are having the same problems with no relief from their service provider. Request a NHTSA review of this problem with a solution for correction. Thank you!!!

NHTSA ID
11574964
Incident
Feb 19, 2024

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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