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Alfa Romeo · Mid-Size · 2016–2024

Alfa Romeo Giulia 952

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

540 PS

2.9L V6 BiTurbo GTA Benzin

540 hp, –100 kg, Carbon Everywhere — Alfa's Ultimate Saloon

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

510 PS

2.9L V6 BiTurbo Benzin

8 weaknesses

Good Choice

Engine Overview

The Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 is available with 5 engine variants — from 136 to 540 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.2 JTD · Diesel· 136–211 PS Engine Change
2016 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2016 2022
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.0 Turbo · Benziner· 200–280 PS Engine Change
2016 2024
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2016 2024
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2.0 Turbo Q4 · Benziner· 280 PS
2016 2024
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2.9 V6 GTA · Benziner· 540 PS
2020 2021
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.9 V6 QV · Benziner· 510 PS
2016 2024
Good Choice 8 weaknesses

The Alfa Romeo 2.2 JTD (Diesel, 136–211 PS) comes with 6 different engines: 55268597 (2016–2024, Be Careful) und 55268597 (2016–2024, Be Careful) und 55268597 (2016–2024, Be Careful) und 55268597 (2016–2024, Be Careful) und 55268597 (2016–2024, Be Careful) und 55268597 (2016–2022, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.2 JTD!

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 Turbo (Benziner, 200–280 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 55273835 (2016–2024, Be Careful) und 55273835 (2016–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0 Turbo!

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 Turbo Q4 (Benziner, 280 PS) has the 55273835 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.9 V6 GTA (Benziner, 540 PS) has the 670053796 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo GTA) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.9 V6 QV (Benziner, 510 PS) has the 670052695 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo) — rated: "Good Choice", 8 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Weak battery triggers cascade of ECU faults

The undersized original battery (80 Ah) causes cascading fault messages when discharged: ABS, ESP, FCW, airbag and brake system all report faults simultaneously. Battery replacement (higher capacity) clears all fault codes.

Symptoms: Many warning lights simultaneously, ABS/ESP failure, vehicle will not start, fault memory full
from 60,000 km
Low
Infotainment system freezes and restarts

The infotainment system freezes during longer journeys — buttons and the volume control become unresponsive before the system restarts itself. Software updates reduce frequency but do not fully resolve the issue.

Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive, infotainment restarts, volume control sticks, music drops out
from 40,000 km
Low

Test Reports

vergleichstest

Used Car Test 2025

Above average

The Giulia impresses with excellent chassis and sporting character, but shows variable build quality from the Cassino plant. Repair costs are significantly above the class average, which is why an experienced Alfa specialist is recommended for maintenance and diagnostics. Early rust on the roof rail and tailgate plus infotainment issues are the most common criticisms.

2025-01
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
179 complaints · 2016–2024
Fuel System
65 ⚠ 3
Engine
53 ⚠ 4
Electrical
51 ⚠ 6
Other
19 ⚠ 1
Brakes
17 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

Fuel System (65 complaints)
Engine (53 complaints)
Electrical (51 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 (2016–2024) — 28 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Other, Steering, Interior. Considered reliable: 670052695 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo).

Giulia (55268597, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Balance shaft bolt comes loose, Oil pressure warning and engine management fault, Vacuum pump seal failure causing camshaft damage. Power: 150 PS.

Giulia (55268597, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Balance shaft bolt comes loose, Oil pressure warning and engine management fault, Vacuum pump seal failure causing camshaft damage. Power: 179 PS.

Giulia (55268597, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Balance shaft bolt comes loose, Oil pressure warning and engine management fault, Vacuum pump seal failure causing camshaft damage. Power: 190 PS.

Giulia (55268597, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Balance shaft bolt comes loose, Oil pressure warning and engine management fault, Vacuum pump seal failure causing camshaft damage. Power: 209–211 PS.

Giulia (55268597, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Balance shaft bolt comes loose, Oil pressure warning and engine management fault, Vacuum pump seal failure causing camshaft damage. Power: 160 PS.

Giulia (55268597, 2016–2022) — Be Careful: Balance shaft bolt comes loose, Oil pressure warning and engine management fault, Vacuum pump seal failure causing camshaft damage. Power: 136 PS.

Giulia (55273835, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Engine management triggers limp mode, Carbon deposits on intake valves, Turbo cooling circuit hose O-ring leaking. Power: 200–203 PS.

Giulia (55273835, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Engine management triggers limp mode, Carbon deposits on intake valves, Turbo cooling circuit hose O-ring leaking. Power: 280 PS.

Giulia (670053796, 2020–2021) — Be Careful: Oil pump check valve defective, Timing chain tensioner cold-start rattle, Water pump impeller detaches — manufacturing defect. Power: 540 PS.

What to watch out for with the Alfa Romeo Giulia? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 have? +
The Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 has 28 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Alfa Romeo Giulia 952? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 670052695 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo). The most reliable engine is the 670052695 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 670053796 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo GTA).
Which Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 952. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 8 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The Giulia GTA is Alfa's most uncompromising road car: 540 hp V6 biturbo, carbon roof, carbon bonnet, polycarbonate windows, titanium exhaust — 100 kg lighter than the already fast QV. The titanium exhaust sounds more metallic and sharper than the QV's steel unit, at full throttle a bright, piercing V6 shriek. The GTAm version goes further still: roll cage, no rear seats, Lexan windows, six-point harnesses. 500 GTA units plus a limited GTAm run, all allocated with waiting lists. Nürburgring time not officially published, but internally well under the QV's record. Six-figure used prices with a rising trend.
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 worth buying used? +
The Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Alfa Romeo Giulia 952? +
The Alfa Romeo Giulia 952 is available with engine variants from 136 to 540 hp. Petrol: 55273835 (2.0L Turbo), 670052695 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo), 670053796 (2.9L V6 BiTurbo GTA). Diesel: 55268597 (2.2L MultiJet II).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee