Alfa Romeos Recalled for Malfunctioning Fuel Pumps

Italian luxury automaker Alfa Romeo is calling back nearly 54,000 cars in the U.S. whose fuel pumps may be defective.

The recall covers certain 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018-2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles, parent company Stellantis recently told federal regulators.

The cars' fuel pumps are vulnerable to heat, which could cause them to malfunction, according to Stellantis. This could cause the vehicles to suddenly lose power on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.

“The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of fuel flow and loss of drive power,” the company said in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.”

The recall comes after several owners complained about their cars unexpectedly losing power. Those complaints date back to last year, according to Road & Track.

“By mid-2024, the carmaker had already logged more than 2100 customer complaints and nearly 500 warranty claims related to the pumps,” Road & Track reports.

Stellantis said it planned to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by the end of October. But the company still has not come up with a way to fix the problem.

“The remedy is currently under development,” Stellantis said. “Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available.”

This is not the only safety issue for Alfa Romeo drivers. The automaker last year called back about 300 Giulia sedans, citing fuel leaks that could cause the cars to stall. Stellantis said the defect could lead to engine fires in some situations.

Stellantis in 2023 recalled certain Tonale sport utility vehicles due to fire risks. Loose integrated dual charging module cables in the plug-in SUVs were to blame, the company said at the time.

Legal Rights for California Car Owners

Stellantis and other carmakers recall millions of vehicles every single year, citing serious defects that can put everyone on the road at risk. The recalls are routinely announced long after cars have left factory floors and dealer lots, sold to unsuspecting buyers.

The good news for car owners in California is that the state’s lemon law offers you some significant rights and protections. 

The lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) covered vehicles that they are not able or flat out refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is vital to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney who can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.