[Marilyn]

Hi I am a new Alfa owner (2023 with 1500 miles) and thought I was going to love my Stelvio. From day one I’ve had an issue when I’m going up a grade and coming to a stop sign and hit the breaks even lightly, my car clunks near the front driver wheel. ***Feels like one of two things…. When down shifts from lowest gear to the stop but it is a slipping feeling or…. Feels like the antilock break kicks in…how it’s slips a bit. I’m hoping this makes sense to someone before I have to return to the shop. I’m sure they will think I’m crazy but it does it all the time! ****Another issue, last week my check engine light came on so actually have an appointment to get it in the shop tonite and now the engine light is off after a full week?? I’m feeling like I have a car that’s going to have issues. I really didn’t want to have to go to the shop since it’s over an hour away.

****Also is it a common thing that when you push the defrost/defogger button it starts low and shoots all the way up to full force?? Seems a little odd to me. May be a common thing I’m just not sure.

I really want to love my car!!! Please help!

 

[factoryhack]

Hi I am a new Alfa owner (2023 with 1500 miles) and thought I was going to love my Stelvio. From day one I’ve had an issue when I’m going up a grade and coming to a stop sign and hit the breaks even lightly, my car clunks near the front driver wheel. ***Feels like one of two things…. When down shifts from lowest gear to the stop but it is a slipping feeling or…. Feels like the antilock break kicks in…how it’s slips a bit. I’m hoping this makes sense to someone before I return it to the shop. I’m sure they will think I’m crazy but it does it all the time! ****Another issue, last week my check engine light came on so actually have an appointment to get it in the shop tonite and now the engine light is off after a full week?? I’m feeling like I have a lemon! I really didn’t want to have to go to the shop since it’s over an hour away.

****Also is it a common thing that when you push the defrost button it starts low and shoots all the way up to full force?? Seems a little odd to me. May be a common thing I’m just not sure.

I really want to love my car!!! Please help!

As for your first concern with the “clunk”, if it does it every time you stop on an uphill grade and doesn’t happen on flat ground, it’s very likely your HSA (hill start assist) feature engaging. Read that section of your owner’s manual .

I can t say I’ve had a similar experience with my Veloce, although I rarely come to a stop on an uphill grade. If your ASS (automatic start/ stop) is engaged, see if things change when it’s not engaged or vice versa. Also, I haven’t checked my manual yet but you might be able to turn off HSA in settings.

A CEL that appears and then goes away, can typically be related to something as simple as your gas cap not being fully tightened which temporarily trips an evaporative emissions code. If it went away by itself, don’t worry about it.

Your defrost concern is normal characteristic. Mine does the same thing. Again, don’t worry about it.

Labeling your car a “lemon” seems more than a bit premature.

As a general rule, before you take it in for anything, thoroughly read your owner’s manual.

 

[Marilyn]

As for your first concern with the “clunk”, if it does it every time you stop on an uphill grade and doesn’t happen on flat ground, it’s very likely your HSA (hill start assist) feature engaging. Read that section of your owner’s manual .

I can t say I’ve had a similar experience with my Veloce, although I rarely come to a stop on an uphill grade. If your ASS (automatic start/ stop) is engaged, see if things change when it’s not engaged or vice versa. Also, I haven’t checked my manual yet but you might be able to turn off HSA in settings.

A CEL that appears and then goes away, can typically be related to something as simple as your gas cap not being fully tightened which temporarily trips an evaporative emissions code. If it went away by itself, don’t worry about it.

Your defrost concern is normal characteristic. Mine does the same thing. Again, don’t worry about it.

Labeling your car a “lemon” seems more than a bit premature.

As a general rule, before you take it in for anything, thoroughly read your owner’s manual.

Thank you for all your advice! We have tried the gas cap many of times and that definitely wasn’t the issue. I’m just glad it went off.

As for the ASS it definitely isn’t that! I’ve had a Durango gt with it that I just traded for this and it never did anything close to that. I must admit I don’t like that so I try not to use it too often But I have tried it both ways.

I did speak to the shop and she still wants me to bring it in so I will let you know if they have the answer because apparently I’m explaining it wrong because the HSA isn’t my issue. Also I HAVE read the manual on things and nothing described this. I’ve also asked a friend who has had 6 Alfa Romeo’s, two right now, and has never had this issue so asking here was the last resort before taking it in. Ive also test road others and never noticed this. I bought this car in another state because they didn’t have this particular color or style around home so I sort of bought it off the internet 3 hrs away.
As for the lemon comment I was just meaning one with problems. I guess I shouldve reworded that but thanks again for all your feed back

 

[GWRmotohead]

Have you verified that all the wheel bolts are tight on that front wheel?

 

[factoryhack]

Thank you for all your advice! We have tried the gas cap many of times and that definitely wasn’t the issue. I’m just glad it went off.

As for the ASS it definitely isn’t that! I’ve had a Durango gt with it that I just traded for this and it never did anything close to that. I must admit I don’t like that so I try not to use it too often But I have tried it both ways.

I did speak to the shop and she still wants me to bring it in so I will let you know if they have the answer because apparently I’m explaining it wrong because the HSA isn’t my issue. Also I HAVE read the manual on things and nothing described this. I’ve also asked a friend who has had 6 Alfa Romeo’s, two right now, and has never had this issue so asking here was the last resort before taking it in. Ive also test road others and never noticed this. I bought this car in another state because they didn’t have this particular color or style around home so I sort of bought it off the internet 3 hrs away.
As for the lemon comment I was just meaning one with problems. I guess I shouldve reworded that but thanks again for all your feed back

The weird thing is the clunk only happens when you’re coming to a stop while driving up hill and presumably not on flat ground or doing down hill.The only variable I can imagine would be HSA. I was also thinking the combo of having ASS engaged AND HSA engaging might cause some unusual characteristics, rather than ASS alone.

The good news is it sounds like you can easily duplicate the concern for the service writer or technician which makes diagnosis MUCH easier.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[AlfaRomeoCares]

Hi I am a new Alfa owner (2023 with 1500 miles) and thought I was going to love my Stelvio. From day one I’ve had an issue when I’m going up a grade and coming to a stop sign and hit the breaks even lightly, my car clunks near the front driver wheel. ***Feels like one of two things…. When down shifts from lowest gear to the stop but it is a slipping feeling or…. Feels like the antilock break kicks in…how it’s slips a bit. I’m hoping this makes sense to someone before I return it to the shop. I’m sure they will think I’m crazy but it does it all the time! ****Another issue, last week my check engine light came on so actually have an appointment to get it in the shop tonite and now the engine light is off after a full week?? I’m feeling like I have a lemon! I really didn’t want to have to go to the shop since it’s over an hour away.

****Also is it a common thing that when you push the defrost button it starts low and shoots all the way up to full force?? Seems a little odd to me. May be a common thing I’m just not sure.

I really want to love my car!!! Please help!

Hi Marilyn,

We're excited to hear about your new Alfa Romeo vehicle! However, we are sorry to hear about your vehicle concerns. If you are working with a certified Alfa Romeo dealership, we'd love to offer some additional support. Please send us a private message if interested!

Lex
Alfa Romeo Cares

 

[C.Q4]

Hi I am a new Alfa owner (2023 with 1500 miles) and thought I was going to love my Stelvio. From day one I’ve had an issue when I’m going up a grade and coming to a stop sign and hit the breaks even lightly, my car clunks near the front driver wheel. ***Feels like one of two things…. When down shifts from lowest gear to the stop but it is a slipping feeling or…. Feels like the antilock break kicks in…how it’s slips a bit. I’m hoping this makes sense to someone before I return it to the shop. I’m sure they will think I’m crazy but it does it all the time! ****Another issue, last week my check engine light came on so actually have an appointment to get it in the shop tonite and now the engine light is off after a full week?? I’m feeling like I have a lemon! I really didn’t want to have to go to the shop since it’s over an hour away.

****Also is it a common thing that when you push the defrost button it starts low and shoots all the way up to full force?? Seems a little odd to me. May be a common thing I’m just not sure.

I really want to love my car!!! Please help!

First post here.

I have a 2022 Giulia and it does the exact same clunk every single time I stop on an uphill stop-sign, and every time I slow to enter my driveway from my uphill road. It has done this for a year. Nothing, as far as I can tell, is wrong. Just how the car is.

The CEL, I got one at 700 miles, in the end it just meant that the dealer needed to install a software update. When I pulled the code myself it sounded much scarier. Nope, just a software update.

I think you mean the Defogger. When you press the front defogger it uses air on the front windshield to try and dry it. The Defroster is on the back windshield using heat bars in the glass.

 

[shpuncik]

try on flat ground to stop, reverse and stop and once again move forward and stop and see if there is clunking sound when starting to move forward/backward. could be brake pads

 

[My Beautiful Stelvio]

Hi I am a new Alfa owner (2023 with 1500 miles) and thought I was going to love my Stelvio. From day one I’ve had an issue when I’m going up a grade and coming to a stop sign and hit the breaks even lightly, my car clunks near the front driver wheel. ***Feels like one of two things…. When down shifts from lowest gear to the stop but it is a slipping feeling or…. Feels like the antilock break kicks in…how it’s slips a bit. I’m hoping this makes sense to someone before I return it to the shop. I’m sure they will think I’m crazy but it does it all the time! ****Another issue, last week my check engine light came on so actually have an appointment to get it in the shop tonite and now the engine light is off after a full week?? I’m feeling like I have a lemon! I really didn’t want to have to go to the shop since it’s over an hour away.

****Also is it a common thing that when you push the defrost button it starts low and shoots all the way up to full force?? Seems a little odd to me. May be a common thing I’m just not sure.

I really want to love my car!!! Please help!

I know the HSA System can make a similar sound when releasing. Not sure if that’s what you’re hearing though. Agree with another commenter that your best bet is to see if you can get a dealer service person to go for a quick drive with you to duplicate. They’ll know what it is. Below is a screenshot about HSA from our manual:

 

[Marilyn]

I know the HSA System can make a similar sound when releasing. Not sure if that’s what you’re hearing though. Agree with another commenter that your best bet is to see if you can get a dealer service person to go for a quick drive with you to duplicate. They’ll know what it is. Below is a screenshot about HSA from our manual:
View attachment 29878

Thank you for that information. I did read all of that and that’s definitely not it. It doesn’t have an issue after stopped its when I’m slowing down. Runs perfectly driving from the stopped position. Also it’s not just hearing the noise it’s feeling it, like a jerking feeling. Thank you again so much! I have cancelled my appointment for now to make sure the light doesn’t come back on since the closest shop is 1:15 away. I will def update when I do though!

 

[Marilyn]

try on flat ground to stop, reverse and stop and once again move forward and stop and see if there is clunking sound when starting to move forward/backward. could be brake pads
[/QUOT

First post here.

I have a 2022 Giulia and it does the exact same clunk every single time I stop on an uphill stop-sign, and every time I slow to enter my driveway from my uphill road. It has done this for a year. Nothing, as far as I can tell, is wrong. Just how the car is.

The CEL, I got one at 700 miles, in the end it just meant that the dealer needed to install a software update. When I pulled the code myself it sounded much scarier. Nope, just a software update.

I think you mean the Defogger. When you press the front defogger it uses air on the front windshield to try and dry it. The Defroster is on the back windshield using heat bars in the glass.

so when you are slowing down before you hit your break fully, it feels like a slipping then it will drift to a stop? It’s hard to explain but is that what you feel? I never drive in manual and not sure if that happens in manual too?

As for defrost/defogger, thats All it’s ever been called to us, ( maybe different states call it different things but both defrost the windows) but the other person said his blows full force also so I’m fine with that. It was a question because we don’t know much about the car yet as you can see. I try to read these things on here to learn so please don’t take offense if I use the ”wrong” words Thank you for your help!

 

[Marilyn]

Hi Marilyn,

We're excited to hear about your new Alfa Romeo vehicle! However, we are sorry to hear about your vehicle concerns. If you are working with a certified Alfa Romeo dealership, we'd love to offer some additional support. Please send us a private message if interested!

Lex
Alfa Romeo Cares

Thank you so much! I cancelled for now to see if the check engine comes back on anytime soon since I have to travel 1:15 to the closest garage. I appreciate you being so helpful!

 

[My Beautiful Stelvio]

Thank you for that information. I did read all of that and that’s definitely not it. It doesn’t have an issue after stopped its when I’m slowing down. Runs perfectly driving from the stopped position. Also it’s not just hearing the noise it’s feeling it, like a jerking feeling. Thank you again so much! I have cancelled my appointment for now to make sure the light doesn’t come back on since the closest shop is 1:15 away. I will def update when I do though!

You’re welcome! Wish it was that simple. Please do update here with your progress.

 

[ALFAOFFROAD]

I highly suggest following the comment about check the lug nuts.

Had a similar issue after getting new tires, the shop that installed the tires screwed up and under-torqued one of the front ones.

Outside of that I strongly suggest not ignoring the brake sound. If it isn't something simple like the lug nuts it could be more serious.

The sound you are describing, might be the same as the one I hear sometimes when off-roading and braking with only one front wheel is in very loose sand. It's a clunk and feeling of one wheel braking significantly less than the others, however the car still stops straight and smooth. If you experience that on dry pavement..... Something is wrong. The CEL may have been related, may not have, either way.. check your lug nuts (any tire store should be able to do it relatively cheap and fast, might even just have them remount the wheels in case.) and if that isn't it... Have the dealer make sure nothing else is wrong. Might be as simple as a software re-installation..might even specifically ask for that if they look and say they can't replicate the issue. Tell them it will give you peace of mind, any service writers worth anything will know Alfa won't blink twice at a software reflash.

 

[Marilyn]

I highly suggest following the comment about check the lug nuts.

Had a similar issue after getting new tires, the shop that installed the tires screwed up and under-torqued one of the front ones.

Outside of that I strongly suggest not ignoring the brake sound. If it isn't something simple like the lug nuts it could be more serious.

The sound you are describing, might be the same as the one I hear sometimes when off-roading and braking with only one front wheel is in very loose sand. It's a clunk and feeling of one wheel braking significantly less than the others, however the car still stops straight and smooth. If you experience that on dry pavement..... Something is wrong. The CEL may have been related, may not have, either way.. check your lug nuts (any tire store should be able to do it relatively cheap and fast, might even just have them remount the wheels in case.) and if that isn't it... Have the dealer make sure nothing else is wrong. Might be as simple as a software re-installation..might even specifically ask for that if they look and say they can't replicate the issue. Tell them it will give you peace of mind, any service writers worth anything will know Alfa won't blink twice at a software reflash.

Thank you! (also thank you for being so kind) I will Definitely check into this tomorrow!

 

[Marilyn]

Have you verified that all the wheel bolts are tight on that front wheel?

Thank you! I will be taking it tomorrow!

 

[SonofaBuick]

Hi I am a new Alfa owner (2023 with 1500 miles) and thought I was going to love my Stelvio. From day one I’ve had an issue when I’m going up a grade and coming to a stop sign and hit the breaks even lightly, my car clunks near the front driver wheel. ***Feels like one of two things…. When down shifts from lowest gear to the stop but it is a slipping feeling or…. Feels like the antilock break kicks in…how it’s slips a bit.

Marilyn, nothing to worry about. I know what you are referring to. It's not the Hill Start Assist or Stop Start. It's the transmission downshifting and releasing a gear before it selects the next one. So it feels to me like a pulsing as if ABS is kicking in or more like brake rotors are warped. It could also be described as feeling like the gear is hanging before the transmission shifts to the next gear. Totally normal from what I can tell from multiple car forums for different brands of car with this transmission. I notice it occasionally when in city traffic at low speeds. I think it's a deliberate shifting strategy, and if you are interested in just a glimpse into what happens inside these transmissions, here's a link. There are around 100 different "maps" aka "shifting tables" in the Transmission Control Unit with different computer coding used for different situations:

TCU Tune Giulia/Stelvio- Squadra Tuning

shop.alfissimo.com

And here's a quote from an Audi forum regarding downshifting feel in an Audi equipped with this transmission:

"when you are coming to a gradual stop and the tranny starts downshifting, it releases the gear it's in to move to the next lower gear so you go from a tremendous amount of gear resistance then to free wheel (zero resistance) and then back to gear resistance. It's feels like you are downshifting a manual and spent way too much time with the clutch pedal to the floor between gears."

Hope this helps.

 

[Marilyn]

Marilyn, nothing to worry about. I know what you are referring to. It's not the Hill Start Assist or Stop Start. It's the transmission downshifting and releasing a gear before it selects the next one. So it feels to me like a pulsing as if ABS is kicking in or more like brake rotors are warped. It could also be described as feeling like the gear is hanging before the transmission shifts to the next gear. Totally normal from what I can tell from multiple car forums for different brands of car with this transmission. I notice it occasionally when in city traffic at low speeds. I think it's a deliberate shifting strategy, and if you are interested in just a glimpse into what happens inside these transmissions, here's a link. There are around 100 different "maps" aka "shifting tables" in the Transmission Control Unit with different computer coding used for different situations:

TCU Tune Giulia/Stelvio- Squadra Tuning

shop.alfissimo.com

And here's a quote from an Audi forum regarding downshifting feel in an Audi equipped with this transmission:

"when you are coming to a gradual stop and the tranny starts downshifting, it releases the gear it's in to move to the next lower gear so you go from a tremendous amount of gear resistance then to free wheel (zero resistance) and then back to gear resistance. It's feels like you are downshifting a manual and spent way too much time with the clutch pedal to the floor between gears."

Hope this helps.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!! I’m so thankful someone gets me and doesn’t think I’m crazy! Lol. I don’t like this feeling at all but now won’t stress about it! Thank you again!!!

 

[C.Q4]

so when you are slowing down before you hit your break fully, it feels like a slipping then it will drift to a stop? It’s hard to explain but is that what you feel? I never drive in manual and not sure if that happens in manual too?

As for defrost/defogger, thats All it’s ever been called to us, ( maybe different states call it different things but both defrost the windows) but the other person said his blows full force also so I’m fine with that. It was a question because we don’t know much about the car yet as you can see. I try to read these things on here to learn so please don’t take offense if I use the ”wrong” words Thank you for your help!

Every single time I approach my driveway (the road is an incline), the there is a clunk or a pulse in the foot well, that I don't like hearing. I also hear it when approaching an uphill stop sign. It does not do it under any other situation. It has done this for a 5,700 miles (1 year of ownership).

@SonofaBuick I drive in mostly Dynamic/manual mode, and rarely in drive. It happens in both modes, so I don't know if it is related to the transmission shifting. It's almost like the pedal makes the noise, or something is releasing (so ABS makes sense actually). No other car in my life has done this. I guess the car could awkwardly be going into 1st. But only on hills.

@Marilyn No worries, but just for friendly education:

Front window = Defogger. It uses the air conditioning to blow air on the glass to reduce moisture and remove fog. It does not defrost at all. Yes, you can turn up the heat when the glass has ice or snow on it, but that's not the name or function of the button. My Tesla has the ability to switch it from cold to hot, so it will help with frost haha.

Rear window / Mirrors = Defroster. It uses line inside the glass which are a heating element to melt ice/snow off the glass. It does not use air. Now, I will say that the Giulia does have vents in the back, but if you look at other cars (think an SUV), they don't have vents, just the lines in the glass.

 

[Huecifer]

Marilyn, I think you'll find a way to drive it that the car likes, and then you'll forget it's even there! My house is on top of a steep hill and there's a stop sign on the way up where it'll do this if I don't let it coast to a stop just right. I've also found that (in my situation) it works better in D mode and with manual shifting. So, even though I'm only going about 25mph max up a hill in a residential area, I'll put the car in in D/manual to go up the hill. And now I don't even notice it anymore... 😂