Used Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2017-present reliability
Category: Large SUV
The Stelvio is fun to drive and good value used, but a firm ride and cheap-feeling interior count against it.
What should I look for in a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio estate?
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
We don’t yet know how reliable the Stelvio is. 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.
What are the most common problems with a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio estate?
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.
Is a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio estate reliable?
The Stelvio finished in sixth place out of 32 cars in the large SUV class in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey but Alfa Romeo as a brand didn’t do very well, finishing 29th place out of the 32 car makers featured. That leaves it well below BMW, Audi and Volvo, but above Land Rover, which finished down in 31st place.
While the duration of the warranty is a fairly standard three years from new, it’s worth noting that there are no mileage restrictions.
