What 65 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The contact owns a 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side headlight had failed to function as needed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that water or condensation had gotten into the headlight assembly and that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11514571

When driving vehicle it randomly goes into Limp mode and gives an “electronic throttle module error”. This in turns decreases the power of the vehicle significantly and causes you to move over lanes as to not cause traffic. This issue is common for a lot of Alfa Romeo Guilia owners.

NHTSA ODI 11513815

Engine recently began making a loud ticking sound, that everyone who heard it asked, "What's wrong with your car?" I purchased the vehicle new 5.5 years ago and it presently has 38,475 miles on it. The dealer determined the noise was due to a loose oil pump bolt under the timing cover. It was a 10.5 hour repair to remove a bolt and reapply lock-tite to it and then reinstall. Had the repair not been performed the bolt could have vibrated all the way out and caused internal damage to the engine, which I believe is a safety issue. The repair cost was $1,813.68. Per the dealer this was the first Giulia model that they had to service for this issue, but they had serviced several Stelvio models that were newer but shared the same engine. In today's automotive market such repairs should not be necessary on a vehicle with low mileage. The brand offers a 4 year / 50,000 mile warranty, but not a separate powertrain warranty. In hindsight, it appears the brand does not have a great deal of confidence in the durability of the powertrains it builds.

NHTSA ODI 11490958

On August 18, 2022, I was driving the vehicle at a speed of approximately 45 mph when the vehicle motor suddenly and without any prior warning completely shut down. Several warning lights appeared immediately but none prior to the shutdown. I was driving in moderately heavy traffic and had to coast to a spot off the shoulder of the road. This was a dangerous situation and if I had been in heavier higher speed traffic, this would have been a very risky safety situation since I had no power whatsoever to control the vehicle movement. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to a repair shop. The problem was with the Fuel Pump Control Module which had to be replaced along with replacing the fuel pump. The manufacturer had previously issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) concerning this but had not issued a recall. I was unaware of the TSB. The manufacturer was obviously aware of issues with the Fuel Pump Control Module but did not issue a recall for vehicles. The TSB was for cars produced prior to August of 2017 and my car was produced in May of 2017.

NHTSA ODI 11485890

It is impossible to adjust the headlights so as not to blind oncoming drivers. Some are forced to pull over. This is an ongoing issue, which the dealer says is due to faulty design and cannot be fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11483530

* The engine parts melted, yes; its available for inspection at the dealership. * I could have crashed into others from the heavy smoke that blinded my sight, my family and i could have burned up or gotten blown up. * UNKNOWN * NO * NO

NHTSA ODI 11477173

Car was being driven on a highway going around a turn and message for “ATV Service” appeared. Shortly after power to the steering wheel and lost jerked the car and came back. All electric lighting flickered and several other messages for service engine and transmission appeared.

NHTSA ODI 11468500

My vehicle parking brake came on suddenly and will not go off. I have seen thousands of complaints online about corrosion to the wiring in the electronic brake system and am wondering why a recall has not been issued as this is a serious safety concern. My vehicle is now inoperable because I cannot get the parking brake off and am afraid that it will happen again while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11457032

Car started itself. Vehicle was sitting in garage and was Locked. The radiator fans came on and vehicle started on its own. it continued to run until we unlocked and hit the stop button. Since this has happened it does not turnover on the first attempt. It has set several codes, Start stop unavailable, service electronic throttle, service engine now. My concern is if the vehicle were to start in the garage while we were asleep and carbon monoxide would leak into the house.

NHTSA ODI 11455579

The battery will not hold a charge significant enough for the rear window defrost to work, and stop/start to work. Have replaced the battery twice and the dealer's answer is that I don't drive enough to get the battery charged enough as battery health is only 30%. I drive 20 miles a day, every day, somedays 100 miles. Others have this same issue in their Forum. Another solution is to constantly put a charger on the battery. The rear window ices over and is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11449953

While driving on highway at approximately 65mph, the panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded causing shards of glass to be propelled through the cabin of the vehicle. All windows including the sunroof had been completely closed. My air conditioner was running, there were no vehicles directly in front of me or near me actually. There was no debris that struck the car nor where there any over pass streets or overhead structures in the vicinity. I was driving and a sudden (very loud) gunshot type bang, startled me followed by the whistling sound of wind and falling glass prompted me to pull over immediately. Fortunately my kids were not on the vehicle or they would’ve been struck by the falling shards of glass as there is plenty in the backseat area. The incident happened today, Sunday December 12, so as of now the vehicle has not been inspected by dealer or police or anyone. There was no previous warning of failure or malfunctions.

NHTSA ODI 11443547

The brake by wire system failed, and another component caused the vehicle to accelerate when I hit the brake pedal. I didn't have any proof on the last complaint, but I have it now. This brake failure caused me to rear end someone, which caused a multiple vehicle accident. The dealership I took it to was aware that I was having electrical issues with the car, but they said they couldn't do anything about it because they couldn't find any fault codes. I even sent them a video of it as well. I also believe this car was involved in a prior accident as well by one of the previous owners and fixed by one of them under the table, because the front bumper shock absorber plate broke in half, and had writing on it as well that looked like something a repair shop would do. This car is unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11442619

The driver's side headlight vertical adjuster failed causing the headlight beam to be directed upwards at about a 40 degree angle. I understand from searching the internet, that this is an ongoing problem. I have a new assembly on order and when received I will have it installed. At that time the old, broken assembly will be available for inspection. This causes the light to not be directed to the roadway, causing dark spots and probably hits oncoming drivers in the eyes, blinding them. The dealer is clueless but the internet says that in Europe a circlip installation fix has been devised. The vehicle has not been investigated by the dealer. I am waiting to receive the new assembly before allowing them to work on it. There were no warnings of any kind. This car has automatic headlights so I never noticed it until I came home one night and lit up the trees as I came down the street and lit up my roof as I pulled in the driveway. From research I have discovered the mechanism is a ball and socket arrangement and the ball has a tendency to pop out of the socket due to vibration. This releases the bottom of the adjuster and allows the headlight to swing into full up position.

NHTSA ODI 11437472

I was travelling along the road when 3 cars suddenly hit the brakes really hard. I was able to hit my brakes fast, but I did not feel any pressure on the pedal and I was unable to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I also had a problem with the start system. I was randomly unable to start the car (about 3 times.) I would have to wait 10 minutes or longer for the car to be able to start again. I also noticed that the front bumper frame of my car was split in half (as if I had hit a post or something big.) I also noticed that there was writting on the front bumper frame (no foam padding in between,) and the following written on the front (DNR. 01/09/2017 and a time 10:20.) I don't know what's going on with my vehicle. It's frustrating and I've had to take it to the dealership a few time 3 hours away.

NHTSA ODI 11436186

My Alfa Romeo only has 29,000 miles on it. It randomly dies on you and does not start. Might happen while you drive with the start/stop and also when you try to turn on the car. When speaking to an Alfa Romeo representative, they inform you that to fix it’s about $600 or higher and they are also aware that is a common problems with their cars. The representative informed me that to turn it back on, I have to disconnect the a wire on top of the battery. I’m not a mechanic and should not have to work with the electrical system of the car. After reconnecting that wire, there’s the electric stability control light that turns on and the steering wheel assist light turns on. It’s crazy that this is a know issue with these cars and the dealers try everything they can to charge you for that repair. Which makes the car completely unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11433363

While waiting for a traffic light to change, the vehicle turned off but immediately turned back on. About four miles later, the same situation happened again but this time it took me a few minutes to get it to start. The vehicle had 1/4 fuel on the tank. After refueling, it drove fine. It was fine again on my way home from work, at least most of the way. When I was near home, it started to shut off and back on at a few traffic lights, but was able to drive it home.

NHTSA ODI 11423313

The contact owns a 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off. During the failure, the check engine and auto stop/start warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that an unknown relay needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The contact indicated that the vehicle had been serviced for the failure on multiple occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,000.

NHTSA ODI 11422256

THE CAR STOP BY ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I JUST COULD MAKE IT TO PULL IT OVER AND LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE CAR DASHBOARD THE CHECK ENGINE, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL, AND OTHER LIGHT THAT I DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT IT WAS AN "A!" . I TURN OFF THE CAR AND I WAITED FOR 10 MIN AN I TURN IT ON AGAIN AND IT WORKS BUT THE LIGHTS STILL WERE THERE, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SHIP BECAUSE I HAVE ONLY 4 MONTH WITH THE CAR AND IT IS AN USED CAR, BUT IT HAS ONLY 19000 MILES TO HAVE THAT KIND OF PROBLEMS. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DONT HAVE SPACE TO CHECK THE CAR PROBABLY UNTIL OCTOBER THAT THEY WILL CALL ME, BUT WHEN WE WENT BACK TO HOME THE CAR DID THE SAME IT START TO DROP THE SPEED BY ITSELF AND STOP , AND I JUST PARKED IN MY HOUSE AND I HAVE NOT MOVE IT, THE CAR HAS OTHER PROBLEMS TO CHECK, THE HOOK CONNECTIONS AND THE TIRES, BUT THE THING IS THAT THE DEALERSHIP SAY THEY HAVE TOO MANY CARS IN FRONT OF MINE AND THEY WILL CHECK IT PROBABLY UNTIL OCTOBER 2020. I REALLY THINK THOSE VEHICLES ALFA ROMEO GUILIA SHOULD BE CHECKED FROM THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BECAUSE LIFE OF PEOPLE IS IN RISK WHEN THEY JUST STOP IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI 11352684

DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN AND GOES INTO LIMP MODE. NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES, NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY HAZARDOUS AND A SAFETY ISSUE. NO WAY TO START THE CAR. NO WAY TO MOVE THE CAR UNLESS OWNER GOES UNDER THE CAR WITH A SPECIFIC TOOL AND UNLOCKS THE BREAKS MANUALLY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED TO BE. I BELONG TO A GROUP OF CAR ENTHUSIASTS WHICH OWN THE SAME MODEL AND SEVERAL HAVE REPORTED TO HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11338023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTO START STOP FEATURE FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY JERKED. THE AUTO STOP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON OCCASION. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY TURNED ON AND FLASHED FOR HOURS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DORSCHEL AUTOMOTIVE GROUP (3817 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623, (585)334-9440), WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED REGARDING THE AUTO START/STOP FEATURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY AND THE PINS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.*BF*JB

NHTSA ODI 11320293

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ALFA ROMEO OF WILMINGTON PIKE (99 WILMINGTON PIKE A, CHADDS FORD, PA 19317, (484) 840-7190) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER, IT INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AGAIN LESS THAN TEN MILES AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR*DT *TR

NHTSA ODI 11278455

ENGINE OVER HEATS TO POINT U FEEL THE HEAT IN THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT TIMES THE ELECTRICAL WHICH THEY HAVE RECENTLY PUT IN NEW SYSTEM FOR RADIO NAVIGATION WHILE DRIVING WHEN ELECTRICAL SHUTS THE RADIO HEAD ODOMETER SYSTEM AND AND INTERIOR LIGHTS SHUT CAUSING TO PULL OVER SUNROOF HAD RECENT ISSUES AS WELL AND NOW DOES OPEN OR CLOSE INTO BUTTONS POSITIONS ONLY ONE BUTTON OPENS AND CLOSES IT SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH INSIDE SUN BLOCKER AND CAN'T CONTROL DISTANCE OF POSITION U WANT IT OPENED MOSTLY CONCERNED THE ENGINE REVS HIGH AND AC WHICH DOESN'T SEEM TO WORK WELL WHILE DRIVING AND FEEEL HEAT AND ODOR AS IF IT'S OVERHEATING AND HAVE TAKEN TO PROFESSIONALS THAT CHECKED ALL OIL ANTIFREEZE ALL FINE ANTIFREEZE SUPPOSE FEED INTO MUTILPLE TANK DOESN'T AS ITS SUPPOSE TO

NHTSA ODI 11228377

MY CAR ACTS FUNNY WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL. DOESN'T KEEP THE SPEED I SET IT UP AT. ANOTHER THING THAT I'VE NOTICE IS WHEN TURNING THE STERRING WHEEL THE CAR FEELS FUNNY TOO. IT SOUND LIKE MY TIRE HITS SOMETHING.

NHTSA ODI 11210497

WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY STUCK IN TRAFFIC, IT WAS A STOP AND GO AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS. WHEN RESUMING THE ACCELERATION (WHILE IN NORMAL FROM THE DNA ). I SLOWLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, WHEN I PRESSED THE BREAKS THE FEELING ON THE PEDAL WAS ABNORMAL AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP CAUSING ME TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IT FELT AS IF THE BREAKS DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE, THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING WHILE ONLY PRESSING THE BREAKS WHICH I REPEAT AGAIN FELT AS IF THEY DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE. ALL THIS HAPPENED WHILE GOING AT A VERY LOW SPEED NO MORE THAN 20MPH. NO ONE WAS HURT AS ALL THIS HAPPENED AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. HOWEVER IT SCARES ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE NOW. NOT TOO LONG AGO I HAD IT IN THE SERVICE WHERE THEY PERFORMED A FAULT WITH THE SOUND SYSTEM AND A MISALIGNED HOOD. I HAVE ALSO FELT THE BREAKS ACTING FUNNY WHILE COMING TO A STOP LIGHT PER SAY, IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE CAR TO FULLY STOP WHETHER A SOFT PRESS ON THE PEDAL OR A HARD ONE. THERE SEEMS TO BE A "DEAD POINT" WHEN STEPPING ON THE BREAK PEDAL AS WELL. WE WERE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CRUSHED GIULIA TO THE NEAREST SHOP. THE OTHER PARTY WHO WAS HIT DIDN'T SUFFER MUCH DAMAGES, ON MY CAR, BOTH HEADLAMPS BROKE, HOOD CRUSHED INWARDS AND THE BUMPER IS TRASHED. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERN WITH ALFA ROMEO BUT NEVER RECEIVED A REPLY. ON A SIDE NOT I HAVE BEEN HAVING CONSTANT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS POP UP RANDOMLY SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2017. ALL OF WHICH HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE ALFA ROMEO DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER IT HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DRIVE OVER 5 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED. MY VEHICLE HAS 13K MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI 11206516

CRITICAL ISSUES: 'START / STOP DISABLED WHEN AUTO IS ACCELERATED DURING OVER TAKE OR ENTERING FREEWAYS. 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FAULTS WHEN CAR SURGES AND ENGINE BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE DURING DRIVING. 'INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM CRASHES FREQUENTLY. 'ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC OR WHEN IN USE DURING NORMAL DRIVING. 'WHEN STALL OCCURS POWER IS LOST TO THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. (SHUTS OFF) 'AUDIO SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. ONO AUDIO AVAILABLE OPARTIAL AUDIO AVAILABLE (NO AMPLIFICATION OR QUALITY AUDIO AVAILABLE) ONO WARNING SOUNDS OR AUDIO ALERTS AVAILABLE OLOUD HISSING STATIC OVER THE SPEAKERS. 'CAR GASPS FOR AIR AND WILL NOT FOR ACCELERATE 1-2 SECONDS WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI 11204313