Is Alfa Romeo Reliable? Full Guide on Common Issues, Models & Maintenance Costs

How Reliable Are Alfa Romeos in 2025?

Alfa Romeo has improved reliability in recent years, but it still sits below the top brands in most UK reliability reports. Models like the Giulia and Stelvio now perform much better than older versions such as the Giulietta or Mito, which were known for electrical and gearbox issues.

According to Reliability Index and What Car? owner surveys, Alfa Romeo’s overall reliability score is around 84.1% in 2025, placing it just behind brands like BMW and Audi, and above Jaguar. While the driving experience is excellent, maintenance costs can be higher if you don’t keep up with regular servicing.

If you’re considering driving one without long-term ownership risk, an Alfa Romeo lease deal can be a smart option. It gives you a new car under warranty, avoiding most reliability concerns.

Most Reliable Alfa Romeo Models

Alfa’s newer generation of cars is more reliable than older ones. Here’s how the main models rank:

Alfa Romeo Models and Years to Avoid

Some older Alfa Romeos have a poor track record, especially early 2010s versions that struggled with reliability:

• Giulietta (2010–2014): Known for electrical gremlins and clutch failures.

• Mito (2008–2013): Gearbox wear and oil leaks common after 50k miles.

• 159 and Brera (pre-2010): Heavy and costly to maintain.

If you’re considering a used Alfa Romeo lease, always check service history and confirm recent repairs for these common faults.

Why Alfa Romeos Have a Reliability Reputation

Alfa Romeo’s reputation for being “unreliable” largely stems from older models that had complex electronics and inconsistent build quality.

Recent updates under Stellantis ownership have focused on improving engineering consistency and simplifying parts — meaning today’s Alfas are far more dependable.

Modern engines and shared components with brands like Jeep and Peugeot have reduced the chances of major mechanical failure.

Alfa Romeo Maintenance and Repair Costs in the UK

Maintenance costs vary by model, but Alfa Romeos tend to sit slightly above average for premium brands:

Keeping to the official service schedule and using genuine parts can prevent most major problems.

If you lease an Alfa, these costs are usually covered under your maintenance package.

Alfa Romeo Reliability Compared with Other Brands

While Alfa Romeo isn’t at the top, it’s no longer among the worst either. It’s now roughly on par with BMW and slightly ahead of Jaguar in reliability studies.

Are Alfa Romeos Expensive to Maintain?

They can be slightly more expensive than average because of specialist parts and limited UK dealer coverage.

However, leasing a new Alfa Romeo removes most reliability risk since it includes manufacturer warranty and optional maintenance packages.

See our Alfa Romeo lease offers for cost-effective options that include these benefits.

Alfa Romeo Reliability Summary

Alfa Romeo has made big progress in reliability. Modern models like the Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale now perform much better than older versions such as the Giulietta or Mito.

Most issues are now minor electrical faults or software updates, not mechanical failures.

Regular servicing and using a lease with warranty cover are the best ways to avoid any reliability or maintenance worries.

If you’re considering an Alfa but don’t want the risks of ownership, car leasing can be a smart way to enjoy a brand-new Alfa without worrying about long-term maintenance costs.