I am getting my QV back tomorrow. They had to reset/reflash the computer. Played with the wiring harness and found an issue with one of the wires. Seems to have fixed the "General Failure" issue.


Still no amplifier - strange. This is the second problem with the amplifier that I have seen in this forum.

 

General Failure warning light gone. Now down to the amplifier that is on "international backorder".


I may just put in an aftermarket amplifier. The Dealer is finding out if I do that, will the error go away.

 

Who's going to pay for the aftermarket amplifier?

If they can't get you an amp in a reasonable amount of time, call FCA and make a formal complaint. How can you give Alfa a good recommendation to your friends and people you meet if they can't fix it in a reasonable amount of time? They can't afford this type of reputation and they are currently relying on word-of-mouth as their primary source of advertisement.

Yes, I've had to similar conversations with FCA about my 4C. The good news is that you can drive your Giulia while waiting on an amp.

 

just dropped my car off at the dealer for my CEL light...told me he will call me tomorrow and let me know what the codes were...
BTW they just literally got another QV in...I was shocked I thought they were not getting it until March! and it is already sold!

 

I have a few issues with my Giulia as of right now which is a whistle noise at highway speeds, brake pedal shakes when wipers turn on... Still have not taken into the dealer for diagnosis due to time constraints and the fact my dealer is 30 to 40 mins away from home...

 

my lane departure warning decides when it wants to come on and when it doesn't all on its own

 

That's pretty normal I believe. All depends on how visible the painted lines are. My AMG used to do the same thing, and if you look at the display closely you'll see the lane lines indicator appear and disappear based on condition of lane lines paint.

 

My UK car has 2500 miles and almost no issues. The UK boards have a few people with QVs and there have been no reported mechanical issues yet. We don't get remote start, may not be relevant but who knows. Sticky keyless entry buttons seems to be the only consistently reported issue over the pond (we started getting our cars about the same time as you, rest of Europe started late summer). There have been issues reported with the 2.0T supers however throwing check engine lights/codes. There is an update rolling out that should sort that out. I expect problems due to it being a first run and am currently pleasantly surprised.

 

Oh and just turn lane departure warning off, it's completely useless (at least in the UK, maybe on your car-less interstates it serves a purpose).

 

the latest "bespoke issue" (that's what they called it when I owned a Bentley) is that the satellite radio won't change stations.

 

You seem to have an inordinate amount of issues with yours. You either have a legit lemon or it's just user error. Did you even take the time to read the Owner's Manual? Either way, you should probably dump it. Never had a single issue with my AMGs and "dime a dozen" M3. Perhaps you'd be happier going that route?

 

Bad News/Good News???

So as some may have read I left my QV at the dealer on Monday because of a CEL which kept the car from engaging the DNA modes of the car as well as the cap for the headlight washer cover that flew off at sometime:surprise:

Got a call this AM from the service tech. He says he was on the phone for a good part of the day yesterday with the Alfa engineers that the dealerships confer with for issues. I was told the following, that Alfa expects to have a software upgrade by Friday that will address this CEL issues which apparently is the PCM? (not sure I am remembering correctly) which is not "waking up" the other sensors. this triggers the safety mode of the car and does not allow you to switch any DNA settings....So I expressed my displeasure in a calm manner. I explained to him that he needs to convey to Alfa NA what clients are saying about the QV on the internet and how the consensus is that people are more worried about reliability and dealer service more than anything....the kicker had to do with the headlight washer cap....apparently it is not just the cap??:surprise: behind the cap on the inside of the bumper is basically a clamp that holds all this in place and it broke....and the other one on the other side is loose as well:surprise: so they have my bumper off trying to fix...
@kanundrum can you comment on this as you had the same thing happen???
the good news is the "supposed" software flash that Alfa says they are putting in place to address this...
any comments from any dealer reps here???
Regards
M

 

So as some may have read I left my QV at the dealer on Monday because of a CEL which kept the car from engaging the DNA modes of the car as well as the cap for the headlight washer cover that flew off at sometime:surprise:

Got a call this AM from the service tech. He says he was on the phone for a good part of the day yesterday with the Alfa engineers that the dealerships confer with for issues. I was told the following, that Alfa expects to have a software upgrade by Friday that will address this CEL issues which apparently is the PCM? (not sure I am remembering correctly) which is not "waking up" the other sensors. this triggers the safety mode of the car and does not allow you to switch any DNA settings....So I expressed my displeasure in a calm manner. I explained to him that he needs to convey to Alfa NA what clients are saying about the QV on the internet and how the consensus is that people are more worried about reliability and dealer service more than anything....the kicker had to do with the headlight washer cap....apparently it is not just the cap??:surprise: behind the cap on the inside of the bumper is basically a clamp that holds all this in place and it broke....and the other one on the other side is loose as well:surprise: so they have my bumper off trying to fix...
@kanundrum can you comment on this as you had the same thing happen???
the good news is the "supposed" software flash that Alfa says they are putting in place to address this...
any comments from any dealer reps here???
Regards
M

Curious...anything else coming as part of the software update? Would be thrilled to hear if they are addressing other items too.

 

So I was kind of joking about phone updates, but not really. I reference apple a lot, because I've had iPhone after iPhone since they came out in 07 or 08. Every time a new one comes out, 3-4 weeks later there is always a big update that fixes a whole slew of minor issues and one that quite a few people have experienced. How many times have you looked at what it fixes and say wow didn't know there was a potential issue there but I'm glad they're fixing it. The only way to see it is when the tech plugs up to the car with the tablet or computer. If you ask the dealer will probably let you see what the updates are and what they fix. Cars are significantly smaller volume than electronics so it takes a bit longer to gather information need to identify and solve quirks. I agree with Kanundrum in that we are on our way to a great car, but there are certain irritations that come along with being first one on the block with the car that dominated super-bowl commercials.

This is by no means directed at you mc. It started out as a when it comes out ask your dealer to show you the update details and then I got a bit carried away.

 

So I was kind of joking about phone updates, but not really. I reference apple a lot, because I've had iPhone after iPhone since they came out in 07 or 08. Every time a new one comes out, 3-4 weeks later there is always a big update that fixes a whole slew of minor issues and one that quite a few people have experienced. How many times have you looked at what it fixes and say wow didn't know there was a potential issue there but I'm glad they're fixing it. The only way to see it is when the tech plugs up to the car with the tablet or computer. If you ask the dealer will probably let you see what the updates are and what they fix. Cars are significantly smaller volume than electronics so it takes a bit longer to gather information need to identify and solve quirks. I agree with Kanundrum in that we are on our way to a great car, but there are certain irritations that come along with being first one on the block with the car that dominated super-bowl commercials.

This is by no means directed at you mc. It started out as a when it comes out ask your dealer to show you the update details and then I got a bit carried away.

Guess it's wishful thinking on my behalf that maybe I get see more than 6 radio presets after the update!

>

 

I have not had any of this happen. Car is running super strong even the time/amount of time we had the car running with out a cap cover for the headlight washer portion. Even went in for my first oil change just to get the first 3k miles of dirt out of the motor and that went great. I am sorry to hear but I am sure we are the trendsetters for everyone else who will own in the future.

We are paving the way for a successful brand/company that has a reliable car with all the quirks worked out.

 

was referring to the washer cap:grin2: LOL

 

Maybe because I have a Saab but any time I see any check engine lines or something I get excited and think Oh lets see how I can fix this LOL.

 

yeah thats cause its a SAAB...

 

Just Spoke to the Dealer

This is the kind of thing that Alfa needed to address BEFORE things happened....like put a replacement parts system/depot in place just in case things fail immediately like NAV, radio amps, sensors etc.

The dealer just called me to inform me that Alfa does not have a software fix ready yet for the CEL issue. They were hoping for today, maybe tomorrow...otherwise sometime next week....in a nutshell the dealer is saying that he can't get info from Alfa for when they will have the software update. other than they are working on it.
As for the parts (bracket on both sides of the front for the headlight washer assembly/nozzle), those were ordered on Tuesday Feb. 28th (dropped car off on Monday Feb. 27th), yesterday (Wed. March 1st)he says he received notice that the parts were BO (back-ordered), dealer said he notified Alfa that the car was VRO?? vehicle not driveable and that they(Alfa) needed to expedite the parts. This afternoon he received a tracking number saying the parts were coming from Toronto 3-5 business days, (does that sound like expedited?), so the car is at the dealer as of today with no front bumper and no CEL issue addressed. Dealer is hoping to get the parts for the bumper early next week? (Wed/Thurs). He is also hoping that the software update is ready by then as well. Needless to say I was not a happy camper and let him know it. Things got a little tense I will say because, his response was basically "what do you want me to do?" it was out of his hands...
I said this is the sort of thing that EVERYONE has been worried about in regards to Alfa Romeo. And AGAIN ALFA ARE YOU LISTENING!!! it is NOT about the CEL or even the $20 part that fell off my $80k car....**** happens...its how you handle it!!!! in my case so far a letter grade of D at best!.
So basically I might get my car back maybe by Friday of next week....I told him that if the parts for the bumper come in to please reassemble the car & I will come and pick it up. I will not leave it there waiting for the software...
@Racer Z to whom did you write when you had your issue??? I'm feeling a letter coming on!
Regards
M

 

This is the kind of thing that Alfa needed to address BEFORE things happened....like put a replacement parts system/depot in place just in case things fail immediately like NAV, radio amps, sensors etc.

The dealer just called me to inform me that Alfa does not have a software fix ready yet for the CEL issue. They were hoping for today, maybe tomorrow...otherwise sometime next week....in a nutshell the dealer is saying that he can't get info from Alfa for when they will have the software update. other than they are working on it.
As for the parts (bracket on both sides of the front for the headlight washer assembly/nozzle), those were ordered on Tuesday Feb. 28th (dropped car off on Monday Feb. 27th), yesterday (Wed. March 1st)he says he received notice that the parts were BO (back-ordered), dealer said he notified Alfa that the car was VRO?? vehicle not driveable and that they(Alfa) needed to expedite the parts. This afternoon he received a tracking number saying the parts were coming from Toronto 3-5 business days, (does that sound like expedited?), so the car is at the dealer as of today with no front bumper and no CEL issue addressed. Dealer is hoping to get the parts for the bumper early next week? (Wed/Thurs). He is also hoping that the software update is ready by then as well. Needless to say I was not a happy camper and let him know it. Things got a little tense I will say because, his response was basically "what do you want me to do?" it was out of his hands...
I said this is the sort of thing that EVERYONE has been worried about in regards to Alfa Romeo. And AGAIN ALFA ARE YOU LISTENING!!! it is NOT about the CEL or even the $20 part that fell off my $80k car....**** happens...its how you handle it!!!! in my case so far a letter grade of D at best!.
So basically I might get my car back maybe by Friday of next week....I told him that if the parts for the bumper come in to please reassemble the car & I will come and pick it up. I will not leave it there waiting for the software...
@Racer Z to whom did you write when you had your issue??? I'm feeling a letter coming on!
Regards
M

Give a call to Alfa Care 1.844.253.2872

 

just called them opened a case#, very responsive, polite and to the point...I like that.
now we shall see what happens.

 

For Giulia & Ti Owners

Has anyone who has taken delivery of straight Giulia's & Ti's had any issues of sorts yet? Just curious if it only the QV owners.

 

Giulia Ti - Voice Command

Has anyone who has taken delivery of straight Giulia's & Ti's had any issues of sorts yet? Just curious if it only the QV owners.

Since purchasing my Ti last month I have not been able to use the voice command system to play media or tune to a radio station. It does work for phone calls and navigation, but not for media. I would like to know if media voice command has worked for anyone else? Thanks.

 

I got my QV back after a week in the shop. They showed me the amplifier issue. It seems that Afa knows about a design flaw in the tail light. The design flaws allows water to come in, which then goes into the truck and then settles on the wiring harness of the amplifier. The technician showed me the harness, it had green corrosion on it. I told him, I have had this car for three weeks and only washed it one time. He said, I didn't do it, it is the car designers fault.

So, I get may car back. The general failure is gone, but I still have an audio failure logo on the dash. Half the time when I start the car, I hear music and the hiss from the tweeters. The other half, it is complete silence.

The amplifier is the one used by Masarati. They are trying to have Alfa talk to Masarati.

 

Which rear corner of the car is the amplifier located?

 

Update

literally just got off the phone with the Alfa Northeast Regional Rep. He called me this AM and as I did not recognize the number I did not answer.
he left a message and I was shocked (in a good way) to have received his call because I was not expecting it.
We had a long conversation and he basically said this to me.
1st: the Alfa engineers have a software flash/update for the constant CEL issue that the QV has. it is available to the dealers today. he is going to call my dealer to inform them to go ahead and perform the flash
2nd: as far as the "expedited" parts (3 to5 business days) for the headlight washer assembly brackets on both sides and the covers he will see what he can do to move the shipping faster.
3rd: he apologized and acknowledged the teething issues and Alfa is well aware of what is going on and they are moving quickly to address each issue as they come to light~~~~will give them the benefit of the doubt for now
4th: offered to compensate me with some sort of service contract (like a maintenance program) on their dime. to be discussed.

the fellow clearly sensed the urgency in the situation. he clearly sees the boards and the comments (Hi Dan!:grin2, I explained to him that this was the very stuff that the older "Alfisti" warned about....the after sale service care....
I said when the car works it is AMAZING!, I said I am vested as I have 80+k into the car and frankly will get crap for it on a trade in I'm sure especially when people read about the issues....so I want them/him to succeed just as much as he/they do....
Waiting to hear from the dealer now...will keep you all posted.
Regards
M

 

literally just got off the phone with the Alfa Northeast Regional Rep. He called me this AM and as I did not recognize the number I did not answer.
he left a message and I was shocked (in a good way) to have received his call because I was not expecting it.
We had a long conversation and he basically said this to me.
1st: the Alfa engineers have a software flash/update for the constant CEL issue that the QV has. it is available to the dealers today. he is going to call my dealer to inform them to go ahead and perform the flash
2nd: as far as the "expedited" parts (3 to5 business days) for the headlight washer assembly brackets on both sides and the covers he will see what he can do to move the shipping faster.
3rd: he apologized and acknowledged the teething issues and Alfa is well aware of what is going on and they are moving quickly to address each issue as they come to light~~~~will give them the benefit of the doubt for now
4th: offered to compensate me with some sort of service contract (like a maintenance program) on their dime. to be discussed.

the fellow clearly sensed the urgency in the situation. he clearly sees the boards and the comments (Hi Dan!:grin2, I explained to him that this was the very stuff that the older "Alfisti" warned about....the after sale service care....
I said when the car works it is AMAZING!, I said I am vested as I have 80+k into the car and frankly will get crap for it on a trade in I'm sure especially when people read about the issues....so I want them/him to succeed just as much as he/they do....
Waiting to hear from the dealer now...will keep you all posted.
Regards
M

Been there, done that, said that.

I've told them, in clear terms, that I want them to succeed. Some invest in companies by buying stock expecting financial returns. I invested in Alfa by buying a new car (my first new car ever) and expecting mature after care and expecting their company to flourish.

I was well aware that things happen. It's a mechanical device. It's also a first run car with very little testing. As 4C's go, I'm one of the few that puts big miles on and it's no real surprise to me that I'm the first to experience certain things. The fact that something broke doesn't bother me. How Alfa & FCA respond (or don't respond) is what bothers me.

The general populace won't except this childish behavior. Most won't even except their new car failing two or three times in quick succession.

I have seen FCA grow and change. I was hoping that they would have resolved these kinds of problems before the Giulia was released. They better sort this out and quick.

I've told them all of the above at some point in the past.

 

Very nice!

 

Alfa Care/Customer Service is 100% Top Notch! I have been so happy with their response!

 

Good news. If the one I ordered has many issues, you can inform him that I am neither shy nor bashful. Alfa and anyone within earshot will hear from me. On the other side if the Giulia is as trouble free as the 40 something year old Spider I have has been, everyone will hear about that as well.

 

Update...Maybe??....Who Knows!

So now I received a call from the first people I called yesterday (Alfa Care). My "dedicated" representative informed me of the following:
1st: he has received an email saying that the parts were indeed shipped from Toronto, he has the tracking number and they are scheduled to arrive to the dealer late Monday afternoon.
2nd: the "software update" should be ready by next week they are working on that. THIS is in complete contradiction to what the Regional Rep told me this morning. The Regional Rep said the update was ready and that the dealer would be getting notification of that today.

Forgot the movie scene but will never forget the line" What we have here is a failure to communicate"
Parts issue seems to be on the same page but the software issues is at odds???
and where is the Dealer in this???? No communication from them at all today. You would have thought that if the Regional Rep statement about the software update were accurate the dealer would have called immediately to let me know

Tune in next week.....
Regards
M

 

So now I received a call from the first people I called yesterday (Alfa Care). My "dedicated" representative informed me of the following:
1st: he has received an email saying that the parts were indeed shipped from Toronto, he has the tracking number and they are scheduled to arrive to the dealer late Monday afternoon.
2nd: the "software update" should be ready by next week they are working on that. THIS is in complete contradiction to what the Regional Rep told me this morning. The Regional Rep said the update was ready and that the dealer would be getting notification of that today.

Forgot the movie scene but will never forget the line" What we have here is a failure to communicate"
Parts issue seems to be on the same page but the software issues is at odds???
and where is the Dealer in this???? No communication from them at all today. You would have thought that if the Regional Rep statement about the software update were accurate the dealer would have called immediately to let me know

Tune in next week.....
Regards
M

The quote is from a scene in "Cool hand Luke" starring Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Dennis Hopper and Struther Martin (who's line it was). Good movie. This is a great thread for those of use teetering on making a decision about going Alfa. Customer support does not seem to add up to a Lexus experience, but then Alfa Romeo's support and supply lines may not be as large or extensive. Still, the front lines should be staffed with people who understand the fine art of customer service, and the impact it can have on a brand. That's more a prayer than anything else.
Flyby out

 

Sorry to hear about everyone's issues. This stuff happens with many new car launches, and especially with brand/market re-entry. Not the desired start, but hopefully, Alfa will churn out the solutions quickly. Personally, I'd be very aggressive in issuing frequent updates, even if it means a recall to change out certain disappointing hardware like the low res, easily sunblinded Nav/Infotainment screen. With sales only beginning to ramp up, they are never going to find an easier/less costly time to make things right before they could ever fester.

Last thing they AND we need is a horrible J.D. Power survey result. Hurts brand image, sales, and resale value. Keep that in mind when getting frustrated with your early adopter decision to buy a first model year Alfa. I vote to remain patient, helpful towards finding solutions, and being the best brand ambassadors that we all can. After all, we're part of the Alfa family now.

 

again my displeasure is not so much with the car itself, though having BOTH washer brackets break and lose your bumper caps is just piss poor quality control....it is how this was handled....I, MYSELF should have NEVER had to contact Alfa-Care.....when this occurred it was the dealer who is supposed to be our advocate because we choose OR NOT choose to purchase from him. His Alfa is not any better than the other dealers.....this isn't a restaurant.
they sell the same product, how they conduct the SERVICE IS WHAT SELLS...at least for me. He should have been the one pushing the Alfa NA people...
Regards
M

 

Update...Looks Good???

Get your popcorn folks:grin2:

In my last post I mentioned that while I had heard from the NE Regional Alfa guy as well as the Alfa-Care guy, I'd not heard from my dealer since last I spoke to him on Thursday afternoon.
He called me this morning and left a voice message that he received an email from Alfa engineers that said he(dealer) could log on and get the software update/flash/patch whatever term you'd care to apply and also that he expects the parts to arrive today (Saturday). He said he expects to have the car done & put back together Monday afternoon late.
I did not return his voice message. Figured I'd let him work on the software update

So this is where we stand as of today Saturday March 4th. If this is truly the case, I believe the NE Regional Rep was the fellow who pushed this along after being contacted by the Alfa-Care representative....I am merely guessing at the chain of command here....but chronologically it makes sense.

Unless something happens I expect to pick up the car Monday and I will post up results....
Regards
M

 

MDriver, I am hoping that come Monday evening you'll be a very happy camper, given the circumstances. Maybe the washer bracket failure will lead to a recall for an adequate fix? But certainly I am rooting for the software update to cure those specific ills, and give you the driving experience you expect.
Good luck!
Flyby out

 

As with everyones post I talked with alfa care a long time ago and suggested this be inspected at port delivery. Not sure if they took into consideration but hopefully their QA process gets better. Great news @MDriver hopefully it is all squared away. BTW do you have a rental in the mean time ? I wonder if the software update is only for affected vehicles and not all.

In any case I was one of the first folks to own a GT86/FRS/BRZ After day 1 I thru the warranty out the window and gave it to a company to develop turbo kits Again I am not the same case as most but to be all of these issues are small with having a first bath of cars lol.

 

@Kan...did not need a rental have other transportation...I wasn't asked however....was offered a ride back I believe....don't recall.