Recall 18V636 affects 34,357 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio vehicles for engine misfires. Repair is free at any franchised Alfa Romeo dealer.
Alfa Romeo is recalling 34,357 2017-2018 Giulia and Stelvio vehicles because engine misfires can overheat the catalytic converter and damage nearby wiring or engine parts. That heat damage can raise the risk of a fire or engine stall, and Alfa Romeo dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine control module software in the 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio with 2.0L engines controls fuel delivery, ignition, and catalyst protection. The catalytic converter sits in the exhaust stream and burns off pollutants, so the software has to keep exhaust heat within a safe range while the engine runs.
On affected vehicles, the software does not give enough protection during an engine misfire. A misfire leaves unburned fuel in the exhaust, and that fuel can overheat the catalytic converter. Excess heat can damage nearby wiring and engine parts, which can lead to an engine stall or an engine compartment fire.
Before that happens, owners can see the Malfunction Indicator Lamp turn on. The engine can run roughly, lose power for a short time, or produce a burning odor. Those signs point to a misfire and possible catalyst overheating.
Who's affected?
Covers Giulia and Stelvio vehicles across the 2017 and 2018 model years, with both wiring and engine components listed.
| 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Engine |
| 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia | wiring |
| 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Engine |
| 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio | wiring |
| 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Engine |
| Units affected | 34,357 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Heat damage in the engine compartment can damage wiring or components, increasing the risk of fire. It can also stall the engine, increasing the risk of a crash. Watch for a malfunction indicator lamp, rough running, temporary loss of power, or a burning odor. If any appear, stop when safe and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Alfa Romeo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia or Stelvio is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Alfa Romeo dealer to schedule the free engine control module software update that addresses engine misfire and catalytic converter overheating.
- Bring the recall notice if Alfa Romeo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V636 and Alfa Romeo recall UA4 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the vehicle for diagnostic codes before the software update.
- Stop driving and contact the dealer if the engine stalls, the vehicle misfires, or you smell smoke or burning from the engine area.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Alfa Romeo technician checks the vehicle for diagnostic codes and updates the engine control module software that controls the 2.0L engine. The inspection and software update are free under recall 18V636. If you already paid out of pocket for a related repair, the reimbursement program asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Bring that paperwork to the service desk or follow the instructions in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 14, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 3, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 3, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 3, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 3, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V636?
Recall 18V636 covers 34,357 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles with 2.0L engines. An engine misfire can overheat the catalytic converter, damaging nearby wiring or engine parts. Alfa Romeo dealers inspect for diagnostic codes and update engine control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia or Stelvio is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V636. If it is, contact a franchised Alfa Romeo dealer to schedule the diagnostic-code inspection and engine control module software update. Reference recall 18V636 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 18V636, Alfa Romeo dealers inspect the vehicle for diagnostic codes and update the engine control module software free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V636?
The risk is fire or engine stall. Heat damage to engine-compartment wiring or nearby components can increase fire risk or cause the engine to stall, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
When did Alfa Romeo start this recall repair?
The recall repair began October 10, 2018. That means the dealer remedy is available now for included vehicles. Alfa Romeo dealers inspect for diagnostic codes and update the engine control module software free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V636000 |
|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo customer service | 1-844-253-2872 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V636 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V636000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →