Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (300 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners overwhelmingly praise the Giulia's exceptional handling, steering feel, and unique character, often calling it the best-driving sedan in its class.
10 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPoor dealership experience (understaffed service, refusal to service, scummy sales tactics)
- Very frequentDepreciation is severe
Cited as a major concern for buyers.
- RecurrentBrake-by-wire system lurching and poor modulation
Mostly reported on 2017 models; later years improved.
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentInfotainment lag, low-resolution backup camera, no touchscreen on early models
Touchscreen added in 2020.
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins (e.g., water ingress in boot, random warning lights)
More common on early models.
- RecurrentParts backorders and long wait times for repairs (e.g., windshield replacement over a month)
- RecurrentHigh service costs (oil change ~$300-326 at dealer, expensive repairs)
- IsolatedFuel system issues (fuel control module, high-pressure rail sensor, injectors) on 2019 QV
One owner reported multiple failures.
- IsolatedCarbon fiber interior trim cracking
One owner reported this.
- IsolatedSeat auto-move feature crushing passengers
Mentioned as a quirk, not a defect.
The version owners recommend
The Quadrifoglio (QV) is the most praised version for its performance and driving experience, but owners caution that early model years (2017-2019) are risky. The 2.0T Veloce/Ti Sport is well-regarded for daily driving, though some wish for a mid-range V6 option between the base and QV.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW M340i, Audi S3/S4, Mercedes-AMG C43/C63, Genesis G70 and Acura TLX Type-S.
Is the Giulia right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owners overwhelmingly praise the Giulia's exceptional handling, steering feel, and unique character, often calling it the best-driving sedan in its class. However, this enthusiasm is tempered by widespread frustration with high maintenance costs, a poor dealership experience (especially at shared CDJR locations), and persistent reliability concerns, particularly for early model years. The Quadrifoglio is celebrated as a thrilling performance car, but its reputation for issues and steep depreciation is a recurring theme. Later model years (2019+) are generally viewed as more reliable, though the car's premium pricing for the 2.0T engine draws criticism.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consistently state the Giulia is dynamically superior to its competitors, especially in handling and steering feel, describing it as a "driver's car" that feels like a sports car when pushed. However, they note it falls short in interior tech, refinement at sane speeds, and overall value compared to rivals like the M340i (better engine, more refined) and G70 (better bang for the buck). The Giulia is seen as more unique and rare than German competitors, but its 2.0T engine lacks the power of six-cylinder rivals at similar price points.
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly recommend avoiding 2017 model years due to numerous bugs and reliability issues. The 2019 and later models (especially 2020+) are considered much more solid, with improved brakes, infotainment (touchscreen CarPlay), and fewer gremlins. For the Quadrifoglio, 2020+ is the safest choice. Leasing is frequently advised to mitigate depreciation and reliability risk. Buying used is recommended for value, but only with a thorough inspection and service history.
General recommendations
The Giulia is best suited for driving enthusiasts who prioritize handling and character over tech, refinement, or low running costs. Owners advise against buying new due to steep depreciation, and strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection by an Alfa specialist. Those concerned about reliability should lease or buy a 2020+ model with a warranty. The car is not recommended for buyers who need a hassle-free ownership experience or who lack access to a competent Alfa/Maserati dealer.
Remarks
The Giulia's reputation for unreliability is heavily influenced by early model years and a widely publicized Car & Driver long-term test of a lemon. Owners of later models report reliability on par with German rivals. The car's rarity and driving dynamics are its biggest draws, but the lack of a mid-range engine option and high MSRP for the 2.0T are common criticisms. The Estrema trim is considered overpriced for its lack of power upgrade. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Giulia (952)2016–2026305 complaints · 23 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): fuel/propulsion system (110) · engine (85) · electrical system (75)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 952 Giulia broadly describe it as a rewarding, fun-to-drive sedan whose reliability reputation is worse than their lived experience, with many saying it has never stranded them and that problems, when they occur, tend to have easy but expensive fixes.
23 problems reported (2 very frequent, 14 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentLow battery voltage causing warning lights, start/stop malfunction, and electrical gremlins
Owners repeatedly describe battery-related electrical faults as the single most common problem, with AGM replacement the standard fix.
- Very frequentHigh dealer maintenance and repair pricing
Including oil changes around $330 and expensive belt and spark plug services.
- RecurrentSunroof cable and rail failure, with a $3k repair reported
+ 20 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentTurbo oil leak and turbo O-ring failure
- RecurrentCoolant leak, including a leaking coolant hose recall and radiator failure
- RecurrentRadiator failure from a defective batch around 2017-2018
- RecurrentInfotainment screen cracking from heat or defective adhesive, and intermittent black screen
- RecurrentHood latch and hood release spring problems
- RecurrentEvap canister and evap system issues
- RecurrentFuel pump failure
- RecurrentMultiair unit failure causing misfire
- RecurrentCheck engine light, including P06DD solenoid and P2185 coolant sensor codes
- RecurrentFront bumper scraping and broken bumper tabs due to low front end
- RecurrentStarter relay failure requiring several presses to start
- RecurrentHandbrake caliper seizure and electric handbrake wiring harness faults
- RecurrentSqueaky brakes reported by multiple owners with dealers attributing it to car washes
- IsolatedDoor lock actuator failure on the passenger door
- IsolatedOil pump failure with repair bills of $3,000-$5,000
- IsolatedTurbo linkage wear requiring turbo replacement, roughly $2,000-$2,500
- IsolatedStock run-flat tires wearing out around 25k miles
- IsolatedLoose screw in side mirror and headlight bracket breaking on potholes
- IsolatedRadio reception problems and reboots
- IsolatedSeat movement and seat-related complaints
Is a 2016–2026 Giulia right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2018. Years to avoid: 2018Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Alfa Romeo Giulia years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 68 | 7 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2018 | 172 | 9 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2017 | 65 | 7 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices23 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2019 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 19V551000
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.
2019 · forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise controlcampaign 19V148000
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.
2019 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 23V382000
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.
2019 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 24V512000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2021-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The tire pressure and size information on the tire placard and manufacturer labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2019 · air bags:frontalcampaign 24V510000
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.
2019 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 24V943000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 25V586000
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.
2018 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V636000
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.
2018 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 19V551000
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.
2018 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust systemcampaign 18V828000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles equipped with GME 280HP engines and All Wheel Drive ("AWD"). The brake fluid line may contact a coolant hose clamp, possibly causing brake fluid to leak onto the exhaust.
2018 · forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise controlcampaign 19V148000
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.
2018 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 17V823000
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.
2018 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 23V382000
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.
2018 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 24V512000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2021-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The tire pressure and size information on the tire placard and manufacturer labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2018 · air bags:frontalcampaign 24V510000
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.
8 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 952
Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo
2.9L 6-cylinder · 520 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026