2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Pictured: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Suv Free Car Picture - Give Credit Via Link.(cropped). Photo: Motor Verso, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
Base/Ti, Quadrifoglio
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 22 city / 28 hwy
Length
184.6 in
Curb weight
3,660–3,858 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Many owner complaints132 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 32 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.9L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,660 lb (Base/Ti).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 3% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 132 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Base/Ti184.6 in74.8 in65 in111 in63.4 / 65 in3,660 lb52/48
Quadrifoglio184.6 in74.8 in65 in111 in63.4 / 65 in3,858 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Stelvio AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24+3%$3,400364
Stelvio AWD2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-18%$4,350470
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (this car)24 MPGNot rated11
2018 Porsche Cayenne22 MPGNot rated1
2018 BMW X525 MPG★★★★★5
2018 BMW X325 MPGNot rated11
2018 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2018 Porsche Macan22 MPGNot rated6
2018 Audi Q525 MPG★★★★★6

Recalls (11)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 9, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V586000 · 53,849 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of fuel flow and loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 7, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 93C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 16, 2025. The information in your report suggests that Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Seat Belts › Front · Jul 3, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V510000 · 337,128 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
Risk
A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 30, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V382000 · 719 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018-2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles equipped with carbon ceramic matrix brakes. During certain driving maneuvers, the brake system may exert an excessive clamp force that may fracture the rotor, decreasing the brake performance.
Risk
An unexpected decrease in brake performance increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the brake system module (BSM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 68A.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jul 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V551000 · 21,914 vehicles

Problem
Alfa Romeo (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) may indicate an inaccurate fuel level that displays higher than the actual amount.
Risk
The vehicle may be operated without enough fuel in the tank causing a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Alfa Romeo will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Alfa Romeo's number for this recall is V84.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control · Mar 1, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V148000 · 19,114 vehicles

Problem
FCA US LLC (Alfa Romeo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2017-2019 Giulia vehicles. The Brake System Module (BSM) software may prevent the driver from disabling the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) after the traction control system detects a specific wheel slip.
Risk
The driver's inability to deactivate the ACC can increase the risk of crash.
Fix
Alfa Romeo has notified owners, and dealers will update the BSM software, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service 1-800-853-1403. The Alfa Romeo number for this recall is V27.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Sep 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V636000 · 34,357 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles, equipped with 2.0L engines. These engines may misfire causing the catalytic converter to overheat, possibly resulting in damage to the nearby wiring and engine components.
Risk
Heat damage to the engine compartment wiring or components can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles for diagnostic codes, and update the engine control module software, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-844-253-2872. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA4.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings · Sep 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V635000 · 674 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio vehicles. The engine cooling hose may have inadequate webbing material allowing a coolant leak.
Risk
A loss of coolant can cause the engine to overheat and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant hose, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U99.
Equipment › Electrical · Mar 29, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V205000 · 12,595 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. Water may leak into the body control module and its connectors, causing corrosion. This corrosion can cause illumination of one or more malfunction indicator lamps, a loss of windshield wiper function, a loss of exterior lighting, a loss of horn function and/or unintended turn signal activation.
Risk
Electrical malfunctions such as windshield wipers that may not work in the rain and lights that may not work at night increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install additional sealing protection to prevent water from entering the body control module and its connectors. The recall began on April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U36.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Mar 29, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V203000 · 12,595 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. Water may Leak into the wiring connectors for the rear liftgate and the liftgate-opening switch, causing corrosion.
Risk
Corrosion at the connectors may cause the liftgate to unintentionally open while moving at speeds of less than 3 miles per hour, allowing cargo to fall out of the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install additional protection against water leaking into the liftgate wiring connectors and switch, free of charge. The recall began April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U34.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Mar 6, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V147000 · 1,505 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The software for the wiper motor may incorrectly interpret the wiper motor as overheating, limiting the windshield wipers to operating only at the low-speed setting. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
Risk
Limited wiper function can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began on April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U24.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V823000 · 216 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. The braking system on these vehicles may have been filled with contaminated brake fluid, possibly damaging the system and affecting its performance.
Risk
A reduction in braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Alfa Romeo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the braking system, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Alfa Romeo customer service at 1-844-253-2872. Chrysler's number for this recall is T84.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

132Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System41
Engine41
Fuel System, Gasoline30
Fuel/Propulsion System26
Unknown Or Other17
Power Train12
Service Brakes10
Vehicle Speed Control8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 124/08: 424/09: 124/10: 124/12: 125/03: 125/05: 125/06: 125/07: 525/08: 225/09: 525/10: 525/11: 525/12: 226/01: 526/02: 426/03: 326/04: 226/05: 826/06: 626/07: 826/08: 526/09: 226/10: 224/0724/1025/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 41 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 41 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Fuel System, Gasoline — 30 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Stelvio years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Stelvio24184.6 inNot rated00
2025 Stelvio24184.6 inNot rated22
2024 Stelvio25184.6 inNot rated32
2023 Stelvio25184.6 inNot rated46
2022 Stelvio25184.6 inNot rated37
2021 Stelvio25184.6 inNot rated67
2020 Stelvio25184.6 inNot rated619
2019 Stelvio25184.6 inNot rated836

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Alfa Romeo. How we calculate this →