Thinking about buying a used Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 12 known faults for this model spanning brakes, engine, cooling, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
12
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,200
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Alfa Romeo Giulia faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Brake-by-wire (IBS) faults and brake recall history
CriticalOccasionalBrakes $0–$6,000 to fix
The Giulia uses an electro-hydraulic integrated brake system (brake-by-wire). Owners report spongy or inconsistent pedal feel and brake-system warning messages when the IBS unit plays up, and a replacement unit is very expensive. The model also has real recall history: 2019-2020 build cars were recalled because the brake-pedal-to-booster fastener could separate, and Quadrifoglio models with carbon-ceramic brakes were recalled in Australia for a braking software fault. Earlier cars had a worldwide recall for a cruise-control/braking software issue. All recall work is free at a dealer - confirm it has been done.
Symptoms to notice
Spongy, long or inconsistent brake pedal
Brake system failure warning on the dash
Pedal feel changing between stops
Electric park brake engaging as a fallback
What to check
During the test drive do several firm stops from open-road speed and check the pedal feels consistent every time. Check the dash for any brake or ABS warning. Run the VIN through the manufacturer/importer recall check and ask for dealer paperwork showing outstanding recalls are closed - especially on 2019-2020 cars and any Quadrifoglio.
Where to look: Integrated brake system module on the firewall/master cylinder area; brake pedal assembly
Ask the seller
“Have all outstanding recalls been completed? Can you show the dealer paperwork?”
“Has the brake system module ever been replaced?”
“Does the pedal ever feel soft or different from one stop to the next?”
02Door Window Regulator Cable Failure
MinorCommonBody & Rust $750–$2,000 to fix
The cable-type window regulators fitted to the Giulia 952 door cards are a recurring failure point, with the cable fraying or detaching from the motor spool causing the window glass to drop into the door cavity. Owners report the window motor continues to run but the glass does not move, or the glass drops unexpectedly when the door is closed sharply. The failure can leave the window unable to seal, exposing the interior to weather. The fault has been documented across multiple Alfa Romeo models sharing the FCA door architecture, with alfabb.com and alfaowner.com hosting numerous regulator cable discussions and DIY repair guides. Repair kits replacing the cable and pulley assembly are available as alternatives to full regulator replacement, reducing repair cost significantly.
Symptoms to notice
Window glass drops into door when door is closed
Window motor runs but glass does not move
Window moves slowly or erratically on the way up
Rattling sound from inside the door when window operates
Window unable to seal fully at the top of travel
What to check
Operate all four windows up and down during the test drive, listening for motor strain or clicking from inside the door. Check that each window fully seals against the weatherstrip at the top. Ask about any history of window sticking or dropping. Inspect for any water staining on the door card interior lining, which can indicate the window was stuck open for a period.
Where to look: Window regulator cable and pulley assembly inside each door; motor mounted mid-door behind the door card trim panel
Ask the seller
“Have any windows ever dropped into the door or failed to go up?”
“Have any window regulators been repaired or replaced?”
“Do all four windows operate smoothly and seal correctly?”
“Has water entered the cabin through any window?”
EngineCritical
CoolingCritical
ElectricalCritical
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
10 more documented faults on the Alfa Romeo Giulia
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 12 documented faults for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the recurring problem areas are brakes, engine, and cooling. A Alfa Romeo Giulia with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Alfa Romeo Giulia?
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We've catalogued 12 known faults for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, covering brakes, engine, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Alfa Romeo Giulia?
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Most single repairs on the Alfa Romeo Giulia fall between $600–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 12 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Alfa Romeo Giulia?
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Yes. A Alfa Romeo Giulia inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.