A CARMAKER has been forced to recall thousands of vehicles over a dangerous fuel pump issue that’s been linked to five reported crashes.
Luxurious Italian brand Alfa Romeo is contacting drivers of certain models across North America – although only a small portion of their cars are thought to actually be affected.
The stylish Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan, specifically the model built between 2017 and 2019, is one of two models with the issue[/caption]
Alfa Romeo owners Stellantis has yet to develop a fix for the problem, with car owners set to be notified by late October with further instructions[/caption]
Some 57,000 vehicles – 3,289 in Canada and 53,849 in the US – need to be taken back to dealerships[/caption]
According to Driving, some 57,000 vehicles – 3,289 in Canada and 53,849 in the US – need to be taken back to dealerships after a fuel pump issue was discovered in certain models.
Alfa Romeo, though, estimates that only about 1% of their vehicles are likely impacted by the issue.
The Stellantis-owned firm said cars can lose power due to the fault, potentially leading to crashes, with the particular models affected being the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan, built between 2017 and 2019, and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV from 2018 to 2019.
It’s believed some fuel pump components are overly susceptible to heat damage – which can cause the pump to fail, starving the engine of fuel and resulting in power loss.
Five collisions and three injuries in the US have been related to the defect.
Reports state that Stellantis has yet to develop a fix for the problem, with car owners set to be notified by late October with further instructions.
The Transport Canada recall code is 2025-463, and the manufacturer’s internal code is 93C.
The head-turning Giulia is often praised for its timeless Italian design, flowing lines and elegance – even winning awards for its design.
Likewise, the Stelvio has won praise for its driving dynamics and stylish design – although it lacks somewhat in practicality and comfort.
This comes as Hyundai has pulled over 568,000 vehicles after a life-threatening defect was discovered.
The car manufacturer has issued a notice to dealerships and drivers regarding a dangerous seatbelt malfunction.
Seatbelt buckles in several sets inside certain Hyundai vehicles may not lock in correctly.
This fault can prevent the safety belt from working as it should in the event of a crash or sudden stop.
“An inability to fasten the seat belt in an occupied seat could increase the risk of injury to occupant(s) during a crash,” the recall notice states.
Hyundai believes 568,580 vehicles are involved in the recall.
However, it is estimated that only one per cent of these actually have the defect.
It affects the Palisades model from the years 2020 to 2025.
How can I check if my car is part of a recall?
If you own a car that’s been recently recalled, you can easily check your VIN.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes it incredibly quick and easy for drivers to check and see if their vehicle is part of a recent (or past) recall.
The VIN checking tool also allows drivers to see whether or not the repair was completed within the last 15 years, making it an incredible tool for buyers of used cars.
All recalls initiated by the NHTSA mean free repairs for drivers, even if it’s an engine or a transmission replacement. If your VIN shows an active recall that has not been repaired, it’s important to make an appointment at your nearest dealership.
Here’s how to make an appointment for a recall:
- Look up your VIN using the NHTSA tool.
- Find out the recall number/ID from the manufacturer.
- Call your nearest dealership’s service center with the ID number handy, and mention you’d like to schedule an appointment to repair the recall. The repair can only be done at a dealership, as they’re authorized by the manufacturer to conduct the repair free of cost using genuine parts.
- Try to make the appointment as soon as possible.
- Once the repair is completed, the dealership will update the information associated with the VIN to reflect it’s been completed.
Source: NHTSA
