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2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia marked the brand’s return to the compact executive sedan market, aiming to compete with established players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. A higher-performance Quadrifoglio model is available with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Giulia is praised for its sharp handling, sporty driving dynamics, and distinctive Italian styling. Criticisms often include concerns about reliability, electrical gremlins, and a less refined interior compared to its German rivals.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4

  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing and/or the water pump. The engine may overheat, and you may notice a sweet coolant smell.
    • Solution: Replacing the thermostat housing and/or water pump, and topping off the coolant.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket and/or the turbocharger oil lines. You may notice oil spots under the car and/or a burning oil smell.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gasket and/or turbocharger oil lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Engine Stalling/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall or hesitate during acceleration, especially when cold. This can be caused by a faulty mass airflow sensor or a problem with the fuel injectors.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty mass airflow sensor or cleaning/replacing the fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

  • Harsh Shifting/Jerking
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may exhibit harsh or jerky shifting, especially during low-speed maneuvers. This can be due to low transmission fluid or a software issue with the transmission control module (TCM).
    • Solution: Checking and topping off the transmission fluid. Performing a transmission adaptation reset and/or software update on the TCM. In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+ (depending on the repair)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip between gears or fail to engage a gear altogether. This can be caused by worn clutch packs, a faulty valve body, or a damaged torque converter.
    • Solution: Diagnosis by a transmission specialist. Replacement or rebuild of the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Creaking Noises
    • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or popping noises coming from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. This is often caused by worn sway bar bushings or ball joints.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn sway bar bushings or ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Dashboard Warning Lights
    • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights illuminating on the dashboard (e.g., check engine light, ABS light, traction control light) for no apparent reason. These can be caused by faulty sensors, wiring issues, or a problem with the car’s computer.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the underlying cause of the warning lights using a diagnostic scanner. Repairing or replacing the faulty sensor, wiring, or computer module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the repair)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or fail to respond to inputs. This can be caused by software glitches or hardware failures.
    • Solution: Performing a software update on the infotainment system. Replacing the infotainment system if hardware is faulty.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery draining quickly, even when the car is not being used. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty electrical component.
    • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw. Replacing the battery if it is damaged.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Handle Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening the doors, especially in cold weather. This is often due to a faulty door handle mechanism.
    • Solution: Replacing the door handle mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Loose Trim Pieces
    • Description/Symptoms: Interior trim pieces (e.g., dashboard trim, door panels) becoming loose or rattling.
    • Solution: Reattaching or replacing the loose trim pieces.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia, while praised for its performance and style, has a number of reported issues. Engine problems such as coolant and oil leaks can be costly to address. Transmission issues like harsh shifting and slipping require immediate attention to prevent costly repairs. Electrical problems such as false warning lights and infotainment glitches are also common. Although these issues may not be as severe or expensive as some engine and transmission repairs, they can be irritating. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Alfa Romeo, Giulia
Alfa Romeo Giulia 2017
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