IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Relay Failure & Random Limp Mode

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

A bank of six micro-relays behind the front-right wheel well liner is a common failure point on the Stelvio. Faulty relays (Starter/Aux Pump) lead to no-start scenarios or random limp mode. Many owners proactively swap these for updated Mopar units.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£150
Warning Signs:

Random limp mode, Vehicle fails to start/crank, Battery drain

What to Inspect:
  • Review service history for "6-relay swap"
  • Check passenger wheel liner area for signs of access
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Battery-Voltage & AGM Upgrade

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The Stelvio is highly voltage-sensitive. The factory EFB battery is a known weak point. Upgrading to a Group Size H8 (LN5) AGM battery is a recommended fix for many "ghost" electrical warnings and start-stop issues.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£500
Warning Signs:

Multiple warning lights at start-up, Start-stop unavailable, Power tailgate failing to close, Infotainment resets

What to Inspect:
  • Battery age/type (AGM upgrade is preferred)
  • IBS sensor connection on the negative terminal
  • Service history for BCM updates
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front Suspension & Inner Tyre Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The sharp steering comes at a cost of high stress on front bushings and anti-roll bar links. Heavy diesel models are particularly prone to inner edge tyre wear if the alignment isn’t set precisely.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£800
Warning Signs:

Knocking over low-speed bumps, Inner-edge tyre wear, "Skipping" feel on full lock in cold weather

What to Inspect:
  • Inner tread of front tyres
  • Listen for suspension creaks
  • Alignment records
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

AdBlue and NOx-Sensor Faults on 2.2 Diesel

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

UK diesel Stelvios can suffer from SCR and NOx-sensor warnings, particularly if the car has done lots of short journeys or seen repeated warning resets instead of proper repairs.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Check engine or emissions warning, AdBlue system message, Limp mode on diesel cars

What to Inspect:
  • Scan for SCR and NOx faults
  • Check for sensor or injector replacement invoices
  • Drive the car until fully warm
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

  • A strong AGM battery matters on these cars because weak voltage creates a cascade of false warning lights and start-stop complaints.
  • Inspect the inner edges of the tyres and listen for front-end noises because alignment and bush wear matter on heavy, wide-wheeled Stelvios.
  • On 2.2 diesel cars, check for AdBlue, NOx or emissions-system faults even if the warning lights are currently off.
  • Test all driver-assistance systems, cameras and the infotainment screen from a cold start because electrical niggles often appear before the engine is warm.
20172019
Check a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio by Registration