Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Just bought a 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia from Carvana and two days later while driving the check engine light came on along with the electronic throttle light and the auto start/stop light. While driving the vehicle went into complete limp mode in a busy intersection and I had to pull off quickly to avoid being hit by other traffic. Engine codes came up fuel pressure related.
vehicle had a head gasket blown and oil to coolant mixture due to head gasket and oil cooler failure this has will now be the 3rd engine 4th time I have to bring the car for warranty regarding the headgasket car has been in the dealership for months at times.
The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence nearby. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable and could not be driven because of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
When pulling into a parking space with foot on the brake the engine revs and surges forward. This has happened 2 times over the course of 2 years with out damage or personal injury. Twice in the last month. The third incident happened on October 15, 2024 causing the vehicle to surge/accelerate hitting another vehicle then crashing into the cart corral at a supermarket. Fortunately, no one was run over. Same scenario. Pulling into a parking space applying the brake. Then acceleration.
The contact's husband owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 60 MPH, several braking system warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, including the ABS warning light. Upon depression of the brake pedal, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard, and the braking system failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact's husband activated the hazard lights and coasted the vehicle to the residence. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact saw brake fluid leaking underneath the passenger's side of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer; the contact was informed that the hydraulic braking system had failed and needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on approximately five occasions, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, lost motive power, and stalled on some occasions. The check engine warning light and the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light were illuminated twice. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined to have a Co pump module failure because the pressure was too high and the Co pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,100.
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.
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.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles equipped with GME 280HP engines and All Wheel Drive ("AWD"). The brake fluid line may contact a coolant hose clamp, possibly causing brake fluid to leak onto the exhaust.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the brake fluid line to prevent contact with the coolant hose clamp. If damage is found on the brake line, it will be replaced, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Alfa Romeo Giulia years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (32), 2018 (22) and 2019 (14) model years. Engine complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Alfa Romeo Giulia engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-828 (exhaust system, Nov 26, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Alfa Romeo Giulia engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles; 71% happened before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.