AI Damage2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: common problems
Owners of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and structure. The maker issued 136 service bulletins for this year. We found 1 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 136
- YouTube repair videos
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 25% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 56.
- Structure: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 15.
- Engine: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 12.
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2.9 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: AWD, RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 56 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 15 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35–45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The “Do Not Drive” message was displayed. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the dealer.
The battery shuts off the main screen making it difficult to navigate. The battery doesn't get charged adequately and that affects the electronic displays. This flaw could affect GPS, navigation as well as other essential electronic components.
As I inspected the car, I noticed no damage to the body but only to find my sunroof glass was shattered. According to the experts, they stated "there is no apparent impact zone, and if there was, it would show damage inconsistent to what actually occurred here." Looking at the images/videos taken from the incident,…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,741 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 17% least complained about).
On average one model year of the Stelvio has 18 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 4, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Emissions Recall 22D - On Board Diagnostics - Dealer Notification (Revision 1)
- Emissions Recall 22D - On Board Diagnostics - Dealer Notification
- Condensation Or Water Infiltration In Headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Turn Signals, Fog Lights,…
- BOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD
- Condensation Or Water Infiltration In Headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Turn Signals, Fog Lights,…
- Oil Change Monitor Displaying Prematurely Customers may experience the following
● The oil change light illuminated on the dash shortly after taking delivery of the vehicle within 6,437 Km (4,000 miles) This bulletin involves resetting the oil life monitor and if necessary changing the engine oil…
- The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following…
The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may…
- Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC)…
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning…
- Telematics Box Module (TBM) Backup Battery Replacement When DTC B1E21 Is Present Technicians may…
Telematics Box Module (TBM) Backup Battery Replacement When DTC B1E21 Is Present Technicians may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic…
- If the DTC B1E21-96
Backup Battery-Component Internal Failure is active and customer states Popup message will show at the radio: "Battery of Uconnect Box requires service. SOS call and related functions may be unavailable. Please visit…
- Radio- Multi Media
- Telematics Box Module (TBM) Backup Battery Replacement When DTC B1E21 Is Present echnicians may experience…
Telematics Box Module (TBM) Backup Battery Replacement When DTC B1E21 Is Present echnicians may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic…
NHTSA lists 136 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, structure, engine. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (25%), overheating, coolant loss (25%), infotainment or screen glitches (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
NHTSA lists 136 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.