2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Pressure Sensor Recall (21V878)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · 11,419 vehicles · Reported November 12, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling 11,419 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia; 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel. A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source. Dealers will make the repair free of charge.
Recall 21V878 at a glance
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V878000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer recall number | Y91 |
| Date reported to NHTSA | November 12, 2021 |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| Vehicles | 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia; 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio |
| Units affected | 11,419 |
| Component | Fuel System, Gasoline > Delivery > Pressure Sensor |
| Safety risk | A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| Fix | Available at dealers |
What is wrong with the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio in recall 21V878?
The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
Is it safe to drive a 2021 Stelvio with recall 21V878?
NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
NHTSA describes the risk this way: A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the pressure sensor.
Which vehicles are included in recall 21V878?
Recall 21V878 covers 11,419 vehicles: 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia; 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
NHTSA lists 11,419 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Alfa Romeo | Giulia |
| 2021 | Alfa Romeo | Stelvio |
What is the fix for the Stelvio pressure sensor recall?
Yes. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line sensor housing, as necessary, free of charge.
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line sensor housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 11, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y91.
When was recall 21V878 announced?
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) reported recall 21V878 to NHTSA on November 12, 2021.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| November 12, 2021 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) filed the defect report with NHTSA; NHTSA assigned campaign 21V878000. |
| January 11, 2022 | Owner notification letters mailed (per NHTSA). |
This recall was filed 59 months ago. If your Stelvio was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.
How do I check if my Stelvio is part of recall 21V878?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 21V878 is open on your Stelvio, it will be listed there.
Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 21V878000 is open on your Stelvio, it will be listed there, along with Alfa Romeo recall number Y91. You can also ask any Alfa Romeo dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.
What should Stelvio owners do about recall 21V878?
Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 21V878000 applies to your Stelvio.
- Call a Alfa Romeo dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
- Get a repair order for every visit, even if the dealer only inspects the vehicle. Read it before you leave and make sure your complaint is written the way you described it.
- Keep a simple log of any pressure sensor symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
- Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
- If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.
What are Stelvio owners reporting to NHTSA?
Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 5 of them about the fuel system.
Since recall 21V878 was reported on November 12, 2021, owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the fuel system on these vehicles. 1 of them (20%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt.
How we counted: we matched NHTSA owner complaints for the model years in this recall that list the fuel system and were received on or after November 12, 2021, then flagged narratives that describe a repeat failure or a problem returning after a dealer repair, recall service or software update. Data from NHTSA, accessed October 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports and may involve a related fuel system issue rather than this exact defect; automated text matching can miss or misread some reports.
NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 16 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 5 of them involve the fuel system. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.
- 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia: 9 complaints in total, 3 about the fuel system
- 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: 7 complaints in total, 2 about the fuel system
Examples of what owners have reported to NHTSA (unverified excerpts):
The contact owns a 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally stalled. The contact stated that the message “ Throttle System Service Required” was displayed.
2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio owner, AL, NHTSA complaint 11696144, filed October 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35–45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The “Do Not Drive” message was displayed. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the dealer.
2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio owner, MD, NHTSA complaint 11557902, filed December 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact stated that it was difficult refuel the fuel to full. Additionally, it was difficult to insert the nozzle into the fuel filler neck. There was no warning light illuminated.
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia owner, MI, NHTSA complaint 11716279, filed February 6, 2026
Can recall 21V878 make my Stelvio a lemon in California?
Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.
A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).
Fuel system defects can cause stalling, fuel leaks or a fire risk. Repeat stalling after a recall repair is a strong sign the fix did not work.
A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.
For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Stelvio went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.
An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
In our cases, a recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt, and it's strongest when the owner complained about the problem before the recall came out. A recall shows the defect is real and that enough owners reported it for the manufacturer to issue a fix.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting too long. The mileage offset starts at your first repair visit for the problem, so the sooner you take it in, the better. If the problem comes and goes, take it in when it happens. You can't go back to that date later.
If you get a recall notice, call a lemon law attorney right away. You may have taken the car in for the same problem before and forgotten, or there may be other recalls related to it.
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320), Founder and Managing Attorney. Quotes lightly edited for clarity. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Has your Stelvio been back to the dealer for this problem?
Call 877-536-6620Other Alfa Romeo Stelvio recalls
Frequently asked questions about recall 21V878
Did the recall 21V878 fix work?
Since recall 21V878 was reported on November 12, 2021, owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the fuel system on these vehicles. 1 of them (20%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt. If your vehicle still has the problem after the recall repair, go back to the dealer, get a repair order, and talk to a lemon law attorney.
Is the 21V878000 recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.
How do I know if my Stelvio is part of recall 21V878000?
Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call a dealer. The VIN is on your registration, insurance card and the lower corner of the windshield.
Does a recall mean my car is a lemon?
Not on its own. A lemon law claim depends on whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps the vehicle out of service. A recall repair that fails, or repeat visits for the same problem, can support a claim.
What should I keep for a possible lemon law claim?
Keep every repair order, the recall owner letter, your purchase or lease contract, and notes on dates, mileage and symptoms. Make sure each dealer visit is written up, even when the dealer says it cannot find a problem.
Does the recall fixing my car mean I have no case?
Not necessarily. Even if the recall repair fixed it, you may still have a case, and a car that's a year or more old can still qualify.
Do used cars qualify for California lemon law?
We take certified pre-owned, demo and dealer vehicles. Since the California Supreme Court's Rodriguez decision in 2024, ordinary used cars generally do not qualify.
How long does a recall lemon law case take?
Recall-related cases typically resolve in one to three months from your first call. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does a lemon law attorney cost?
You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 21V878000 (recall report and owner letters are posted there)
- NHTSA complaints and recalls data, accessed October 1, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.2 and 1793.22
Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). This page is general information, not legal advice. America’s Lemon Lawyer is not affiliated with NHTSA or Alfa Romeo. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.