Recall 18V828 covers 6,136 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles with a brake-fluid line defect. Repair is free at any franchised Alfa Romeo dealer.
Alfa Romeo is recalling 6,136 2017-2018 Giulia sedans with GME 280HP engines and all-wheel drive because a brake fluid line can contact a coolant hose clamp. If brake fluid leaks onto the exhaust, fire risk increases, and Alfa Romeo dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake fluid line in a 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia carries brake fluid under pressure through the engine compartment. When you press the brake pedal, that fluid pressure helps apply the brakes at the wheels. The line has to stay clear of nearby engine and cooling parts so it does not rub, heat up, or leak.
On affected Giulia vehicles with the GME 280HP engine and AWD, the clearance between a coolant hose clamp and the brake fluid line is out of specification. The clamp can contact the brake fluid line inside the engine compartment. That contact can damage the line and let brake fluid leak onto the engine catalyst, a hot exhaust component, creating a risk of an engine compartment fire.
Before that happens, an owner can smell a burning odor or see smoke from the engine compartment. A brake fluid leak can also turn on the brake fluid warning light on the dashboard.
Who's affected?
Each model year lists the same component areas: exhaust system and hydraulic brake hose.
| 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Exhaust system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Exhaust system |
| 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 6,136 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake fluid leaking onto the exhaust raises the risk of an engine compartment fire. If you smell burning, see smoke, or the brake fluid warning lamp turns on, pull over when safe and call an Alfa Romeo dealer before continuing. Schedule the recall repair soon, even if no warning has appeared. Repair is free at any franchised Alfa Romeo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Alfa Romeo dealer to schedule the free brake-fluid-line bracket repair, with brake-line replacement if inspection finds damage.
- Bring the recall notice if Alfa Romeo has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V828 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you see a brake fluid leak, and ask the Alfa Romeo dealer for guidance before moving the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Alfa Romeo technician installs a bracket on the brake fluid line so it no longer contacts the coolant hose clamp. The technician also checks the brake line and replaces it if damage is found. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid to repair this brake fluid line issue before the owner letter, the reimbursement process asks you to send the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 15, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 15, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 15, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 15, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V828?
Recall 18V828 covers 6,136 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles with All Wheel Drive and GME 280HP engines. The brake fluid line can contact a coolant hose clamp, allowing brake fluid to leak onto the exhaust and increasing fire risk. Alfa Romeo dealers install a protective bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Giulia is included in recall 18V828. If it is, contact a franchised Alfa Romeo dealer and ask for the UB9 recall repair. The dealer installs a bracket on the brake fluid line and replaces the brake line for free if damage is found.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost. For recall 18V828, Alfa Romeo dealers install the brake-fluid-line bracket for free and replace the brake line for free if the inspection finds damage.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the brake fluid line contacts the coolant hose clamp, brake fluid can leak onto the exhaust. Recall 18V828 does not include a do-not-drive order, but the free dealer repair is the path to remove the defect.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began January 10, 2019. If your VIN is included in recall 18V828 and the repair has not been completed, a franchised Alfa Romeo dealer can perform the bracket installation for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V828000 |
|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V828 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V828000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →