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Alfa Romeo2022–2024 Critical issues documented

Alfa Romeo Tonale: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Alfa Romeo Tonale (2022–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning electrical, brakes, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

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5

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$0–$1,500

Typical repair

3

Systems covered

Which Alfa Romeo Tonale are you looking at?

1 generation variant documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

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Alfa Romeo Tonale

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Can't confirm for this car

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

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What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Alfa Romeo Tonale before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for dealer paperwork showing the 12V cable and high-voltage connector recall check was done.

    See why

    Loose 12V battery and high-voltage connector fire risk recall (PHEV Q4)

    Early Tonale plug-in hybrids could leave the factory with the 12V battery positive cable nut or a high-voltage connector not tightened properly. A loose connection can arc and overheat, and in the worst case start a fire while parked or driving. The twin Dodge Hornet and Tonale PHEV were recalled under NHTSA 23V-623 in September 2023, with dealers checking and torquing the connections free; owners were told to park outside until it was done. Australian PHEV deliveries began in late 2023, so check by VIN whether an Australian or New Zealand car is included.

    What you would notice

    • Car fails to start or shows a flat 12V battery
    • Random electrical warnings or the car dropping out of ready mode
    • Hot plastic or burning smell from the boot or engine bay

    Typically $0–$1,500 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Test drive in stop-start traffic or a car park, not just on the open road.

    See why

    Jerky low-speed DCT and electric-to-petrol handover (1.5 MHEV)

    The 1.5 mild hybrid uses a small electric motor inside the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox to creep and move off, then hands over to the petrol engine. Road testers in New Zealand and overseas found the handover coarse around town, with pauses in drive and abrupt gearchanges that make the car hard to drive smoothly in traffic. It is a characteristic of the design rather than a breakdown, but a car that is markedly worse than others, or that shudders on take-off, may need a gearbox software update or clutch adaptation. Budget more if the dual-clutch unit itself is faulty.

    What you would notice

    • Pause or lurch when pulling away from a stop
    • Abrupt or clunky gearchanges below about 30 km/h
    • Shudder when creeping in traffic or on a hill

    Typically $0–$800 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Pair your own phone for wireless CarPlay or Android Auto and use it for the whole test drive, watching for dropouts.

    See why

    Uconnect touchscreen freezing, wireless CarPlay dropouts and blank reversing camera (1.5 MHEV and PHEV)

    The Tonale's 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 system has a documented run of software faults: the touchscreen freezing or going dark, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto disconnecting, the cluster showing the wrong speed limit, and the touchscreen not working after a radio update. Stellantis issued bulletins 08-158-24 and 08-161-24 (applicable to Asia-Pacific markets) to reflash the display and radio. Separately the twin Hornet and Tonale were recalled under NHTSA 25V-246 because the display module may not show the reversing camera image, fixed by software or radio replacement. Most cases are fixed by a free software update, but a failed display or radio out of warranty is expensive.

    What you would notice

    • Centre touchscreen freezes or goes black
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto keeps disconnecting
    • Reversing camera screen stays blank when reverse is selected
    • Speed limit shown on the dash is wrong

    Typically $0–$3,500 to put right.

See all 5 documented issuesEverything researched for the Alfa Romeo Tonale, including 3 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Alfa Romeo Tonale has — 5Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01Jerky low-speed DCT and electric-to-petrol handover (1.5 MHEV)

Test drive in stop-start traffic or a car park, not just on the open road.hybrid2022 onwardTransmission
Very commonTransmission $0–$800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 1.5 mild hybrid uses a small electric motor inside the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox to creep and move off, then hands over to the petrol engine. Road testers in New Zealand and overseas found the handover coarse around town, with pauses in drive and abrupt gearchanges that make the car hard to drive smoothly in traffic. It is a characteristic of the design rather than a breakdown, but a car that is markedly worse than others, or that shudders on take-off, may need a gearbox software update or clutch adaptation. Budget more if the dual-clutch unit itself is faulty.

Symptoms to notice

  • Pause or lurch when pulling away from a stop
  • Abrupt or clunky gearchanges below about 30 km/h
  • Shudder when creeping in traffic or on a hill

What to check

  1. Test drive in stop-start traffic or a car park, not just on the open road.
  2. Pull away gently from a stop several times, creep forward and back, and do a hill start; expect some hesitation but not a heavy shudder, clunk or loss of drive.
  3. Drive through the gears slowly and listen for knocks or grinding.
  4. Ask whether the gearbox software has been updated and whether the owner has complained to the dealer about it.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: have an Alfa dealer check the transmission software level and stored gearbox faults, and run a clutch adaptation.

Where to look: 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with integrated electric motor, front of the car

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the gearbox had any software updates or dealer work?”
  • “Does it ever lurch or shudder pulling away?”
  • “Have you raised the gear change behaviour with a dealer?”
Electrical3

0148V mild-hybrid battery water ingress and fire risk recall (1.5 MHEV)

hybrid2022–2023Electrical
RareElectrical $0–$6,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On early Tonale 1.5 mild hybrids the 48V battery could let water in if the car sat in deep water or prolonged wet conditions, and a wet battery can overheat and catch fire. Stellantis Australia and New Zealand recalled 2022-2023 cars in September 2023 (Australian recall REC-005766, 32 cars) and dealers inspect the battery and replace it free if needed. A car that missed the recall, or has been through a flood, is the one to worry about. The recall work is free at any Alfa dealer and does not expire, but an out-of-recall 48V battery is an expensive part.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hybrid system warning on the dash
  • Engine auto stop-start stops working
  • Burning or hot electrical smell from under the car
  • Car was ever parked in standing water or flooded

What to check

Ask for the service book and any dealer invoice showing the 48V battery recall was done, and ask the seller directly whether the car has ever sat in floodwater. Look in the boot and under the carpets for water marks, silt, damp or a musty smell, which point to a flood car. With the engine running, check the dash stays clear of any hybrid system warning. On the test drive, confirm the engine auto stop-start shuts the engine off at lights and restarts smoothly, which needs a healthy 48V system. If a workshop inspection is possible: have an Alfa dealer run the VIN for open recalls and read the 48V battery and hybrid control module for stored faults.

Where to look: 48V lithium battery pack mounted low in the underbody, wired to the belt starter-generator on the 1.5 engine

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 48V battery recall been done, and do you have the paperwork?”
  • “Has the car ever been in floodwater or parked in deep water?”
  • “Has any hybrid system warning ever come on?”

02Loose 12V battery and high-voltage connector fire risk recall (PHEV Q4)

Ask for dealer paperwork showing the 12V cable and high-voltage connector recall check was done.hybrid2023–2024Electrical
RareElectrical $0–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Early Tonale plug-in hybrids could leave the factory with the 12V battery positive cable nut or a high-voltage connector not tightened properly. A loose connection can arc and overheat, and in the worst case start a fire while parked or driving. The twin Dodge Hornet and Tonale PHEV were recalled under NHTSA 23V-623 in September 2023, with dealers checking and torquing the connections free; owners were told to park outside until it was done. Australian PHEV deliveries began in late 2023, so check by VIN whether an Australian or New Zealand car is included.

Symptoms to notice

  • Car fails to start or shows a flat 12V battery
  • Random electrical warnings or the car dropping out of ready mode
  • Hot plastic or burning smell from the boot or engine bay

What to check

  1. Ask for dealer paperwork showing the 12V cable and high-voltage connector recall check was done.
  2. Open the bonnet and boot and smell for any hot plastic or burnt odour, and look with a phone torch for melted or discoloured plastic around the battery terminals.
  3. Start the car several times during the viewing and make sure it goes to ready mode first time with no electrical or hybrid warnings on the dash.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: have an Alfa dealer run the VIN for open campaigns and check the torque on the 12V positive terminal and the high-voltage connectors.

Where to look: 12V battery positive terminal and high-voltage cable connectors in the PHEV powertrain

Parts involved: 12V battery.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the battery cable recall been checked on this car?”
  • “Has the car ever refused to start or shown electrical warnings?”
  • “Has the car had any electrical repairs under warranty?”

03Uconnect touchscreen freezing, wireless CarPlay dropouts and blank reversing camera (1.5 MHEV and PHEV)

Pair your own phone for wireless CarPlay or Android Auto and use it for the whole test drive, watching for dropouts.hybrid2022 onwardElectrical
CommonElectrical $0–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Tonale's 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 system has a documented run of software faults: the touchscreen freezing or going dark, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto disconnecting, the cluster showing the wrong speed limit, and the touchscreen not working after a radio update. Stellantis issued bulletins 08-158-24 and 08-161-24 (applicable to Asia-Pacific markets) to reflash the display and radio. Separately the twin Hornet and Tonale were recalled under NHTSA 25V-246 because the display module may not show the reversing camera image, fixed by software or radio replacement. Most cases are fixed by a free software update, but a failed display or radio out of warranty is expensive.

Symptoms to notice

  • Centre touchscreen freezes or goes black
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto keeps disconnecting
  • Reversing camera screen stays blank when reverse is selected
  • Speed limit shown on the dash is wrong

What to check

Pair your own phone for wireless CarPlay or Android Auto and use it for the whole test drive, watching for dropouts. Tap through the screen menus quickly and check the screen responds and does not freeze or reboot. Select reverse several times and confirm the camera image appears every time. Ask the seller whether the radio software has been updated and whether the screen has ever frozen. If a workshop inspection is possible: have an Alfa dealer confirm the radio and display software level and run the VIN for open campaigns.

Where to look: Centre 10.25-inch touchscreen, radio module behind the dash and reversing camera display

Ask the seller

  • “Has the screen ever frozen, gone black or rebooted itself?”
  • “Has the radio or display software been updated by a dealer?”
  • “Does the reversing camera always come on?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Brake pedal arm can collapse recall (PHEV Q4)

hybrid2024Brakes
OccasionalBrakes $0–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On plug-in hybrid Tonales built between February 2023 and February 2024 the post that supports the brake pedal can crack and collapse, leaving the driver unable to press the service brakes. Stellantis ran a worldwide campaign (NHTSA 24V-752, expanded in late 2025 as recall D0C) covering about 21,000 US cars and about 21,000 outside North America, and dealers fix it by fitting an extra bolt and nut to reinforce the pedal arm. Stellantis estimated around 5% of pedals were faulty and knew of 15 collapses including one crash. The fix is free and quick, so any PHEV from this build window without proof of the repair should go to a dealer before purchase.

Symptoms to notice

  • Brake pedal feels loose, wobbly or clicks under the foot
  • Pedal sits lower than normal or sinks further than expected
  • Creaking or cracking noise from the driver footwell when braking

What to check

Ask for dealer paperwork showing the brake pedal recall was done and check the build date on the sticker in the driver door jamb against the February 2023 to February 2024 window. With the car parked, press the brake pedal firmly several times and push it side to side with your foot; it should feel solid with no wobble, click or creak. Use your phone torch to look up at the pedal arm in the footwell for an extra bolt and nut, which is the recall reinforcement. On the test drive, brake firmly from moderate speed on a quiet road and make sure the pedal stays high and firm. If a workshop inspection is possible: have an Alfa dealer run the VIN for open campaigns and confirm the pedal reinforcement is fitted.

Where to look: Brake pedal arm and its mounting post in the driver footwell

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake pedal recall been done on this car?”
  • “Has the brake pedal ever felt loose or sunk to the floor?”
  • “Can you show the dealer recall invoice?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Alfa Romeo models

Alfa Romeo Giulia13 documented faultsAlfa Romeo Giulietta13 documented faultsAlfa Romeo Stelvio13 documented faultsAlfa Romeo 1478 documented faultsAlfa Romeo MiTo7 documented faults

Alfa Romeo Tonale buyer questions

Is the Alfa Romeo Tonale reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the recurring problem areas are electrical, brakes, and transmission. A Alfa Romeo Tonale 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 Tonale?

We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Alfa Romeo Tonale, covering electrical, brakes, and transmission. All 5 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Alfa Romeo Tonale?

Most single repairs on the Alfa Romeo Tonale fall between $0–$1,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 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 Tonale?

Yes. A Alfa Romeo Tonale 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.