2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a stylish and sporty compact luxury SUV. Its defining characteristic is its engaging driving dynamics, offering sharp handling and a responsive feel that sets it apart from many competitors. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. People love the Stelvio for its Italian design flair, athletic performance, and distinctive character. Downsides often cited include reliability concerns, a less refined interior compared to some rivals, and a smaller dealer network.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and the need to add oil every few thousand miles.
  • Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly and document oil consumption. A dealer may perform an oil consumption test to determine the severity. In some cases, a software update or replacement of piston rings might be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnosis $100 - $200. Repair ranges from $500 for minor issues to $3,000+ for piston ring replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Hesitation/Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of engine hesitation during acceleration or stalling at idle or low speeds. This issue can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose.
  • Solution: Diagnostic scans to check for fault codes. Possible causes include issues with the fuel system, ignition system, or sensors. Depending on the cause, repair could involve replacing sensors, fuel injectors, or performing software updates.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnosis $100 - $200. Repair cost varies greatly depending on the cause, ranging from $200 for sensor replacement to $1,000+ for fuel system repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported occasional rough or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation during gear changes has also been noted.
  • Solution: Software recalibration or transmission fluid flush. In more severe cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software recalibration $100 - $200. Transmission fluid flush $200 - $400. Valve body replacement $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature wear of suspension bushings, leading to clunking noises and reduced handling precision.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn bushings. This may involve replacing control arms or other suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per corner depending on the components replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, including screen freezes, slow response times, and connectivity problems (Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).
  • Solution: Software updates are often released to address these issues. A hard reset of the system may also help. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $0 - $200. Infotainment unit replacement $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those for the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or parking sensors, may malfunction, triggering warning lights.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty sensor, followed by replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per sensor depending on the sensor and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Loose Trim Pieces
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of trim pieces in the interior (dash, door panels) becoming loose or detaching.
  • Solution: Reattaching or replacing the loose trim piece.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the piece and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is known for its sporty driving experience and Italian design. However, potential buyers should be aware of common issues related to oil consumption in the 2.0L engine, rough shifting in the transmission, and potential electrical gremlins within the infotainment system and sensors. Suspension bushing wear is also something to be mindful of as the vehicle ages. The severity of these issues varies, but some can be costly to repair, particularly engine and transmission work.