Head-to-head reliability
ALFA Romeo Stelvio vs Toyota Camry
How the ALFA Romeo Stelvio and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
ALFA Romeo Stelvio vs Toyota Camry: The Stelvio has 179 complaints over 9 years (about 20 per year) versus the Camry's 2143 over 10 years (about 214 per year). Stelvio issues often involve engine and electrical failures, while Camry reports include serious brake and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the ALFA Romeo Stelvio or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
ALFA Romeo Stelvio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, demands attention. With 179 complaints over 9 years (about 20 per year), it's not a high-volume complainer, but the nature of the issues—engine hesitation, electrical gremlins, and fuel system concerns—suggests a vehicle that may require more frequent dealer visits. Owners report problems that can leave you stranded, like a failed oil solenoid and battery, or cause frustrating drivability issues like hesitation on acceleration. It's a stylish choice, but one that may test your patience.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint count—2143 over 10 years (about 214 per year)—but that's partly due to its popularity. The complaints span a wide range, from transmission grinding and brake failures to HVAC odors and sudden acceleration reports. While the sheer number is alarming, many issues are isolated or part of recalls, and the Camry's reputation for reliability is still evident in its overall dependability. It's a practical choice, but buyers should be aware of potential powertrain and brake concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | ALFA Romeo Stelvio | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 179 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
ALFA Romeo Stelvio
- 01ENGINE58
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM53
- 03FUEL SYSTEM42
- 04GASOLINE42
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM33
Owners report hesitation when pressing the accelerator, with the check engine light coming on. Some vehicles fail to drive forward entirely, diagnosed as a failed oil solenoid and battery issue. This can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
A corroded transmission ground strap can force high cranking currents into other circuits, causing electrical failures. Also, the rearview camera may stop working, and front proximity sensors can falsely detect objects, which is a safety concern.
Fuel system issues often manifest as hesitation and check engine lights, similar to engine problems. Some owners report the vehicle failing to move, pointing to fuel delivery or sensor problems. This can affect drivability and fuel efficiency.
“The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal, and the check engine warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, w…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to drive forward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed oil solenoid and battery failure. The contact was informed that the oil…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises on acceleration and, in some cases, the need for a full transmission replacement. This is a major repair that can be very expensive, though some may be covered by recalls.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration, which is extremely serious. Also, engine maintenance lights come on due to coolant valve bypass issues, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs, leading to safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, where the pedal goes to the floor with no response, especially on hills. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention. Other brake-related complaints include difficulty stopping in parking lots.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
ALFA Romeo Stelvio — 43 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. The fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line sensor housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 11, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles. Hard braking may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) rotor shaft to separate, a reduction of braking assist, and a loss of ABS.
The risk: The loss of braking assistance and ABS functionality can reduce overall braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ABS HCU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. An improperly crimped clamp may allow the side curtain air bag cushion and inflator to separate, causing an incomplete deployment or preventing the deployment of the air bag.
The risk: An incomplete deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag inflatable curtain assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 19, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles. The printed circuit board and software for the rearview camera may contain defects that cause the rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the r…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the radio, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the rearview camera software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 25, 2025.…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
ALFA Romeo Stelvio or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has fewer complaints per year (about 20) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity. In practice, the Stelvio's issues are more likely to be electrical and engine-related, while the Camry's are more varied, including serious safety concerns like brake failure and sudden acceleration. Neither is without risk, but the Camry's higher complaint count suggests more potential problems, though many are addressed by recalls.
Key differences
- The Stelvio has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs 214), but its issues are concentrated in engine and electrical systems, often causing breakdowns.
- The Camry has more complaints, including serious safety issues like brake failure and sudden acceleration, but also has more recalls to address them.
- Stelvio owners report hesitation and failure to move due to oil solenoid and battery problems, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs.
- Electrical problems in the Stelvio include corroded ground straps and camera/sensor failures, whereas Camry electrical issues are less prominent in the sample.
- Check for any signs of engine hesitation or check engine light, and have the oil solenoid and battery tested.
- Inspect the transmission ground strap for corrosion and test all cameras and proximity sensors for proper function.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during a test drive, and check for any recall notices regarding the transmission.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, and be alert for any unintended acceleration. Also, check for HVAC odors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to acceleration, braking, and any unusual noises or warning lights.
- For the Stelvio, specifically ask about the oil solenoid and battery condition; for the Camry, ask about transmission and brake recalls.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs: Stelvio parts may be pricier, while Camry has more aftermarket support.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | ALFA Romeo Stelvio | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 4 | 59 |
| 2021 | 4 | 155 |
| 2020 | 7 | 270 |
| 2019 | 36 | 393 |
| 2018 | 128 | 736 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific ALFA Romeo Stelvio or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- ALFA Romeo Stelvio vs Toyota Camry
- ALFA Romeo Stelvio total complaints
- 179
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- ALFA Romeo Stelvio total recalls
- 43
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- ALFA Romeo Stelvio avg complaints/year
- 19.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- ALFA Romeo Stelvio
- ALFA Romeo Stelvio top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN