Low Pressure Fuel Pump Assembly Failure

Summary

On January 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE24003) to assess allegations of loss of motive power resulting from low-pressure fuel pump failures in certain MY 2017–2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles.  The subject vehicles are equipped with 2.0L 4-cylinder and 2.9L 6-cylinder turbocharged engines and manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC (FCA US).  Reports received by ODI alleged stall and loss of motive power at speeds above 25 mph, with several reporting that the condition resulted in permanent disablement of the vehicle.  Many reports described recurrence of the failure after an initial repair. During the investigation, ODI determined that the subject vehicles were equipped with fuel delivery pumps supplied by Vitesco Technologies Germany GmbH.  ODI also confirmed that MY 2018–2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles were equipped with the same pump.  ODI’s analysis identified an elevated failure rate associated with the original pumps installed in the subject vehicles.  The failure mode involves interruption of fuel flow, resulting in fuel starvation and an unexpected loss of motive power, typically with little to no advance warning. In responses to ODI Information Requests submitted in April and June 2024, FCA US reported 2,162 customer reports (complaints, field reports, and legal claims) and 464 warranty claims related to the alleged defect.  Combined with ODI’s data, the investigation identified 1,900 unique VIN experiencing failures.  Review of the combined data confirmed one crash and no injuries, fatalities, or fires. On September 9, 2025, FCA US filed recall 25V-586, covering 29,467 MY 2017–2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles and 24,382 MY 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles, all equipped with the suspect Vitesco fuel delivery pump.  FCA US reported that the remedy is under development, with dealer notifications planned on or about September 16, 2025, and owner notifications scheduled to begin on or about October 29, 2025. The recall action initiated by FCA US addresses the alleged defect identified in this PE. Accordingly, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances, including an evaluation of the remedy once available. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Vehicles under investigation (3)