IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The 2020 update introduced a touchscreen infotainment system, a redesigned centre console and improved interior materials. It is the pick for buyers who want a pre-facelift Giulia that still feels current inside.

What changed for 2020

  • •8.8-inch touchscreen with rotary controller, WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates
  • •New centre console, leather-wrapped wheel and gear lever, better dash materials
  • •Trim range: Super, Sprint, Veloce, Veloce Ti, Lusso Ti and Quadrifoglio
  • •Veloce offered with rear-wheel drive in the UK, alongside Q4

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Battery drain and false warnings from a failing EFB battery or sticking relay bank
  • !Front tyre inner-edge wear and suspension bush knocks
  • !Brake disc corrosion and seized rear calipers on garage-kept cars
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Relay Failure & Random Limp Mode

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

A bank of six micro-relays located behind the front-right (passenger side) wheel well liner is a major failure point. Sticking relays for the starter or auxiliary water pump can cause "no-crank" scenarios, parasitic battery drain, or random "limp mode" where the car loses power.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£150 (Proactive replacement)
Warning Signs:

Random limp mode, No-start/No-crank, High-pitched whine after shutdown, Sluggish acceleration in Dynamic mode

What to Inspect:
  • Check if the relays (Mopar 6106093AA or updated 68530205AA) have been replaced
  • Listen for noises from the passenger wheel well area after the car is off
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Parasitic Battery Drain & AGM Upgrade

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The Giulia is extremely sensitive to voltage. Factory EFB batteries often struggle, leading to "ghost" faults. Many owners upgrade to a larger H8 (LN5) AGM battery (95Ah) to solve these issues. Parasitic drain can also be caused by the USB hub or BCM staying awake.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£600
Warning Signs:

"Start-Stop Unavailable" message, Random EML/Airbag warnings at start-up, Keyless entry failure, Dead battery after 3-4 days of no use

What to Inspect:
  • Age/type of battery (Upgrade to AGM is recommended)
  • Check if USB ports stay lit after car is locked
  • BCM software update status
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Suspension Bushing & Alignment Issues

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Front lower control arm bushings wear prematurely, and the aggressive factory "Ackermann" steering geometry causes significant tyre scrubbing on full lock. This is often misinterpreted as a mechanical fault but leads to rapid inner tyre wear.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£800
Warning Signs:

Tyre "skipping" on full lock, Heavy inner tyre wear, Squeaking/creaking over speed bumps

What to Inspect:
  • Inner edges of front tyres
  • Listen for suspension knocks on test drive
  • Service history for specialized 4-wheel alignment
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

  • Check the battery age and whether the car has been upgraded to an AGM unit
  • Test the touchscreen, CarPlay and every steering-wheel control
  • Look for a specialist service history with the correct 2.2 diesel oil spec
20192021–2022
Check a 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia by Registration