Models · Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Stelvio 949 buying guide
The Stelvio is Alfa's SUV, on sale in the UK since September 2017 with 2.0 turbo petrol and 2.2 diesel engines and an eight-speed automatic. The Quadrifoglio is covered separately.
The versions
- 2.0 turbo petrol: about 200bhp or 280bhp; no cambelt
- 2.2 diesel: about 180bhp, about 190bhp and about 210bhp versions; cambelt
- Eight-speed automatic on every version
- Four-wheel drive on most cars; the entry-level diesel was also offered with rear-wheel drive
- January 2020 update with a better-quality interior and new trim names (Super, Sprint, Lusso Ti, Veloce)
What to check on a Stelvio
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Diesel cambelt and service history
What to look for: Check for a service every 12 months, or sooner at 9,000 miles on a petrol and 12,000 miles on a diesel. On a diesel, look for a cambelt change once the car is five years old or past 74,500 miles.
Why it matters: The petrol engines have no cambelt, but the 2.2 diesel does, and Alfa's schedule is every five years or 74,500 miles. Every early car is now past the five-year point, so the first belt change should already be in the history. Brake fluid is changed every other year as part of the schedule.
Recall work
What to look for: Ask an Alfa Romeo dealer, with the registration or VIN, to confirm every recall has been done, and look for the paperwork.
Why it matters: The Stelvio has had several recalls: incorrect brake and clutch fluid on some early cars (March 2018), water getting into the electrics and opening the tailgate on the move (2018), adaptive cruise control software (July 2019), a fuel gauge reading high (September 2019) and seats not latching (January 2020), plus a fuel sensor that could leak. Most cars will have had the work done.
Sensor warnings and the 12V battery
What to look for: Take a long test drive and watch the dashboard for sensor warnings, several warning lights at once or stop-start not working, and check the infotainment responds. Ask how old the 12V battery is.
Why it matters: Owners have reported problems with the sensors, which control many of the car's systems, along with software and infotainment faults. The 12V battery is the fault Stelvio owners raise most, and a weak battery can bring up warnings that look like failed sensors. A longer drive gives intermittent faults time to show.
Also in the full guide
- Powered tailgate and seats
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Stelvio
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Alfa Romeo.