Used Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2017-present reliability

Bodywork

The Stelvio is a large car that will most likely have been used in urban areas, on school runs and supermarket trips, as well as hammered down motorways, so it’s worth checking the extremities of the car for any scuffs and dents. Visibility can be tricky looking to the rear, although there is a rear-view camera and useful parking sensors. Check also the alloy wheels for any kerb damage and the electric operation of the rear tailgate, and make sure all the seats fold and slide as they should.

Electrical problems

Alfa Romeos can be a mixed bag, with older ones being notoriously tricky. However, although Alfa Romeos of recent years have been known to suffer from persistent electrical problems, relating to anything from starting the car to the sat-nav operation through to the electric operation of the seats and the rear tailgates failing, newer ones have a better record.

The Stelvio has been subject to the following recalls. Check that all remedial work has been carried out with your local Alfa Romeo dealer.

Reasons for recalls

The seats may not lock in the correct position.

More fuel than actually present in the tank could be displayed on the instrument panel.

On some Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles due to a potential nonconformity some electric-electronic components may malfunction as a result of water infiltrations and their performance may be compromised. The vehicle may not function as the driver expects it to during use including unintended activation and opening of the rear liftgate door at vehicle speeds up to 3.1 MPH. An unintended activation and opening of the rear liftgate door may result in a loss of unrestrained cargo. Lost cargo may create a road hazard and could cause a following vehicle to crash without prior warning.

Undesired acceleration of the vehicle may occur whilst active cruise control is operational.

Due to a production nonconformity there may be the possibility of a fuel leak from the fuel pressure and temperature sensor.

The automatic headlight position sensors may not have been calibrated and therefore the function does not comply with the requirements of ECE R48.

The vehicle may not comply with ECE Regulation 16 Amendment 07 where all seats must be equipped with a safety belt reminder function with visual and audible indication of seat belt status.

The Stelvio performed poorly in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey – finishing in 31st place out of 33 family SUVs – and Alfa Romeo did badly as a brand too, coming 30th out of 31 makes.

Reliability rating 84.1%

Owners told us that 33% of their Alfa Romeo cars suffered a glitch, and some issues were slow and costly to put right.

A third of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio models reported on went wrong, and a third of faulty cars were in the workshop for more than a week. The Alfa Romeo Giulia was even worse: 55% of problematic cars took more than a week to repair. The car maker covered the cost of 83% of Giulia remedial work, and only 67% of Stelvios were fixed for free. Some (17%) of Giulia owners needed to pay more than £1500 apiece to get their cars fixed.

Stelvio reliability rating 85.5%

• Most common faults: 12-volt battery 16%, non-engine electrics 11%, sat-nav/infotainment system 11%, engine 5%, interior trim 5%

• Average repair cost: 67% £0, 22% £301-£750

• Typical time off road: 33% up to a day, 55% more than a week

The Stelvio has been designed to out-handle rivals, and it does this well, but this ability also results in a firm ride that can be jarring when driving over potholes. It has attractive exterior styling and a range of punchy engines, but its interior feels cheap in places and it's not as roomy as rivals.

The biggest concern for potential buyers is likely to be the poor reliability record of the brand, and the Stelvio doesn't dispel this. Lengthy stints in the workshop were the biggest gripe of the 32% of Alfa Stelvio owners who told us their car had gone wrong. Although most faulty cars could still be driven, 55% of them were with dealers for more than a week to get fixed. Things went wrong with the 21-volt battery, engine, interior trim and electrical systems including the sat-nav/infotainment system. Alfa paid for 67% of remedial work, but some owners had bills of up to £750.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio review

While the duration of the warranty is a fairly standard three years from new, it’s worth noting that there are no mileage restrictions.