2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Electrical Problems

I am reporting a suspected failure of the Marelli Entertainment Telematics Module (ETM)/radio assembly in my 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle is included in Recall 25V667000, which involves defects in the rearview camera display system and associated infotainment hardware. Over the past 3-4 weeks, the ETM/radio module has developed a loud, continuous humming, buzzing, and electrical "struggling" noise that has progressively worsened. I traced the source of the noise directly to the Marelli ETM/radio module located behind the dashboard. The noise is not related to the HVAC system and continues even after the vehicle is turned off. The condition has become severe enough that it sounds like an internal electronic component is failing. Because Recall 25V667000 specifically addresses defects involving the infotainment/radio assembly used to process and display the rearview camera image, I am concerned this may be a related hardware failure involving the same module population covered by the recall. The failure appears to be progressive in nature and originates from the ETM itself rather than the camera. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether similar ETM hardware failures, electrical noise complaints, or module degradation issues have been reported in vehicles covered by Recall 25V667000. Photo attached is the ETM. Video and sound also available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775921

Incident

Sep 29, 2026

The ground-wire sleeve in the front-left wheel well is intended to protect the copper wire beneath it. However, the fabric-braided sleeve can deteriorate after years of exposure to the elements, leaving the wire vulnerable to corrosion and shorting. In my case, this caused white smoke to come from the front-left wheel well and left the vehicle inoperable after a complete electrical failure. The vehicle could not be shifted into neutral for conventional towing. It had to be transported using a wheel lift and dolly, equipment that can be difficult to find. I was stranded for hours at night. A mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle, showed me the burnt wiring harness in the front wheel well, and advised me to arrange a wheel lift and dolly. I researched whether other owners had experienced the same problem and found reports from numerous Alfa Romeo owners involving 2017–2022 vehicles. The shot wire damages the rest of the connected wires also. Owners report that Alfa Romeo changed the sleeve’s design and material in 2023, but did not issue a recall to address the earlier issue. This failure can leave owners stranded and may lead to repair and towing costs of thousands of dollars. Similar reports and discussions appear on several Alfa Romeo forums and other owner sites, including the links below: - [XXX] - [XXX] -[XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774843

Incident

Oct 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11747258

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

Mileage

44,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle became inoperable and failed to start with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ground strap had failed due to corrosion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer informed the contact that if the corrosion had not been repaired in time, it could have caused a more severe vehicle failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA ID

11739247

Incident

May 21, 2026

Ground strap is faulty. I have owned the vehicle for less than 2 years and am already on my 4th battery because the ground strap keeps draining it. The dealership is finally replacing the ground strap under my warranty but on several occasions I have been left essentially stranded away from home because the vehicle was acting completely fine then will randomly not start due to the faulty ground strap not allowing the alternator to actually charge the battery. Every time this happens it has to go to the dealership because it cannot be jumped and all the lights in the dash come on and need to be reset. This failure happens at random and no lights ever come on in the dash as a warning before it happens. The warranty also will not cover the battery even though it’s being drained due to the faulty strap and I must pay almost $900 for the dealership to install a new one.

NHTSA ID

11735819

Incident

May 4, 2026

The gear shifter broke. The button on the back that you compress in order to trigger a button inside of the shifter, broke off and then the button inside got stuck. I was not able to shift gears and even though there was no other issue with the vehicle, I was stuck in a parking lot blocking other people's ability to move around me. It creates a safety hazard by not being able to shift gears to move the vehicle out of harm's way or even to be able to be towed in a safe manner. The tow truck driver had to climb under my vehicle and find a way to put the vehicle into neutral because the gear shifter would not engage. No to the other questions. I sat for six hours waiting for a tow truck to come because the first one that was dispatched was not able to help due to the specific circumstances. From reading other online forums, this does seem to be a recurring issue with Alfa Romeo's.

NHTSA ID

11697248

Incident

Oct 4, 2025

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 NHTSA: 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

NHTSA ID

11679873

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

Upon starting the vehicle a number of warning lights illuminated including the battery light. Upon viewing the battery compartment the plastic enclosure surrounding the battery had a few inches of water inside. I do have videos showing the water inside the compartment and also video of water being vacuumed out of the compartment. We did some research and found that this exact same issue sparked a recall in the same model vehicle in 2018. Very dangerous and i hope this is not happening to others, based on our research it is.

NHTSA ID

11677766

Incident

Jul 22, 2025