Alfa Romeo, a renowned brand in the world of luxury automobiles, has a rich history of creating vehicles that not only exude style but also deliver top-tier performance. However, like any other car brand, Alfa Romeo models have had their share of issues over the years. This article seeks to delve into some of the common problems that Alfa Romeo owners have faced. Let’s embark on this journey to uncover the truth behind Alfa Romeo’s reliability in this region.
1. Alfa Romeo Product Recalls: A Recurring Incident
Alfa Romeo, as a brand, has seen its fair share of recalls over the years due to various technical issues. In 2021, for example, the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Stelvio were subject to recalls due to problems relating to their fuel systems, brakes, and airbags.
1.1 Recalls in 2021
Last year, the Giulia model faced two major recalls, one due to a fuel system failure and another for a braking system malfunction. Its counterpart, the Stelvio, wasn’t spared either, facing three recalls related to the fuel system, brake failures, and non-deployment of airbags.
1.2 Historical Recalls
The history of Alfa Romeo recalls extends beyond 2021. In previous years, recalls were issued for vehicles due to problems with disc brakes (2020), brake systems and electrical systems (2019), brakes and engine coolant (2018), and brake issues (2017).
2. Alfa Romeo Early Technical Problems: A Cause for Concern
Several Alfa Romeo models, particularly the 2018 Giulia Quadrofiglo, have been reported to encounter technical problems much earlier than expected, often around the 40,000-mile mark.
2.1 Mode Selector Issues
One of the common problems noticed by owners is the malfunctioning of the mode selector, resulting in a locked suspension and powertrain that can’t be altered without a visit to a dealership.
2.2 Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks are another issue that tends to crop up around the 3,000-mile mark. As the vehicles age, owners may face an increase in these reliability issues, further affecting the overall performance and driving experience.
3. Axle and Suspension Problems: A Bumpy Ride
The Alfa Romeo Giulia has been reported to have problems with its suspension and axles. These issues not only affect the ride comfort but can also lead to damage to the vehicle’s underside, necessitating Alfa Romeo repairs.
3.1 Suspension Locking
As mentioned earlier, the mode selector malfunction often results in the suspension getting locked. This issue can lead to a less than smooth driving experience, especially on uneven terrains.
3.2 Front Suspension ‘Clunk’
Some owners have reported that the front suspension of their Giulia ‘clunks’ when the car goes over small bumps. This jarring noise can cause worry for the axle and, in some instances, can even lead to damage to the vehicle’s underside.
4. Alfa Romeo Electrical Errors: A Shock to the System
Another common issue that affects the Alfa Romeo Giulia is related to the electrical system, which can severely impact the driving experience.
4.1 Battery Issues
Many of the electrical problems seem to stem from the battery, either due to improper charging or failure to hold the charge.
4.2 Faults in the System
Issues such as always-on reverse lights, irregular functioning of the start-stop system, and erratic warning lights have been linked to faults within the electrical system itself. These faults can make the vehicle’s operation unpredictable and potentially hazardous.
5. Reliability: Is Alfa Romeo a Reliable Brand?
When discussing Alfa Romeo issues, it’s vital to consider the overall reliability of the brand. Various sources indicate that Alfa Romeo has a track record of poor reliability.
5.1 Reliability Ratings
The ReliabilityIndex, a platform that measures vehicle reliability, has given Alfa Romeo a score of 214, which is considerably below average. This score is determined taking into account factors such as the cost of parts and the frequency of failures.
5.2 Contrasting Reports
Interestingly, Auto Express reports from owners of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta paint a different picture, suggesting that Alfa Romeo models are reliable. However, these reports contrast starkly with the overall consensus, raising questions about their accuracy.
6. The Reliability of Consumer Reports
As we examine Alfa Romeo’s reliability, it’s crucial to consider the reliability of consumer reports themselves. These reports are generally considered reliable as they gather data from a wide range of sources, including recalls and faults, and feedback from car owners.
6.1 The Discrepancy in Reports
Despite the general reliability of these reports, there’s often a discrepancy between them and the actual user experiences. For instance, despite the poor reliability score from various sources, some AutoExpress readers have reported positive experiences with their Alfa Romeo vehicles.
7. The Root Cause: Why are Alfa Romeos Unreliable?
There are a few reasons why Alfa Romeos have been deemed unreliable. Among the primary ones are issues with the axle and suspension and electrical faults.
7.1 Quick Development Time
One potential reason for the unreliability is the quick development time of Alfa Romeo models. For example, the Alfa Romeo Giulia was developed in just two and a half years, a significantly shorter period compared to the six to seven years typically spent by other manufacturers like Mercedes and Volvo.
8. Alfa Romeo Rebranding Efforts
In response to the reliability issues, Alfa Romeo has embarked on rebranding efforts. The new Giulia, for instance, now comes with a three-year, 150,000km warranty, which is significantly better than some of their rivals.
8.1 Looking Towards the Future
While these rebranding efforts are currently only happening in Australia, it’s possible that they could be introduced in other markets, if they prove successful.
9. Common Alfa Romeo Problems
For potential buyers, it’s crucial to be aware of the common problems associated with Alfa Romeo models.
9.1 Alfa Romeo Suspension Problems
A common issue is the failure of the front suspension, identifiable by a knocking noise.
9.2 Alfa Romeo Door Alignment Problem
Another common problem, particularly in the 159 model, is the door alignment issue, which can be identified if there’s a noticeable draft coming in.
10. Wrapping Up: Is Alfa Romeo the Right Choice for You?
Given the issues discussed, it’s essential for potential Alfa Romeo buyers to carefully consider their decision. Despite the allure of Alfa Romeo’s luxurious design and performance, the potential reliability issues can’t be overlooked. However, with Alfa Romeo’s efforts to improve their reliability, it’s possible that these issues may become less prevalent in the future.
In conclusion, while Alfa Romeo cars can offer a touch of luxury and high-performance driving, potential buyers must weigh these benefits against the potential reliability issues. Only then can they make an informed decision and truly enjoy the Alfa Romeo driving experience.
