The 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia is a sporty sedan built on the heritage of more than 100 years of Italian racing. With a reputation for quality craftsmanship and high-performance capabilities, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is a noble contender in the compact luxury sport sedan segment.

The Italian automobile is not without problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a safety recall. Oddly enough, only eight models of the Alfa Romeo Giulia were affected.

Ongoing problems with the Alfa Romeo Giulia brakes

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is not known for its braking performance. According to the NHTSA, in 2017, there was a safety recall issued by Chrysler for the four-door 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia, stating, “vehicles may contain brake fluid that was contaminated in the plant with a non-compatible oil type.”

The following year, Alfa Romeo drivers on Giulia Forum started to complain about problems with the brakes not coming to a smooth stop. Unhappy customers flocked to online forums with their stories of hazardous braking issues. Another recall was issued for 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles that had the GME 280-hp engine and all-wheel-drive system. There was a problem with brake fluid leaking onto a coolant hose clamp, which could cause exposure to the exhaust system, resulting in an increased risk of fire.

In March 2019, Chrysler issued yet another recall relating to the brakes, this time affecting certain 2017 to 2019 Giulia vehicles. The Brake System Module (BSM) software system was defective, preventing drivers from deactivating the adaptive cruise control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The braking system on the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) that automatically detect when the tire stops rotating under extreme braking conditions. The system allows the tire to rotate by modulating the brake pressure.

Consumer Reports reported no problems with the modulation, saying that the Giulia “performed well with short stops on both dry and wet surfaces,” although the test drivers did find “the brake pedal to be a bit grabby, especially at low speeds.”

The use of an Integrated Brake System (IBS) allows for faster braking with the vehicle stopping at shorter distances. According to Continental, the new provider of the Alfa Romeo innovative IBS, it “combines braking functions, auxiliary brakes, and control systems such as ABS and ESC in a compact and lightweight braking module.”

The dynamic electro-hydraulic braking system can quickly build brake pressure, meeting the demands of advanced safety features such as pedestrian detection and forward collision warning.

The stability control sensors can detect when the handling limit has been exceeded. The engine power is reduced, and brakes are automatically engaged to prevent loss of control of the vehicle.

Recall on the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Unfortunately, NHTSA announced yet another safety recall for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, according to Car Complaints. This time around, Chrysler said it only affected eight models of the 2020 Giulia. The recall involves difficulties with rear brakes.

The models that are part of this recall were built from February 17 to July 27, 2020. The manufacturing plant examined supplier and production records to determine which vehicles received these faulty parts.

According to CarsScoops, the rear brake discs came from Brembo, who employed a new manufacturing process at the start of 2020. Some of the parts could possibly fracture without warning during vehicle operation, increasing the risk of an accident. The NHTSA explained that the ruptured discs could “significantly increase the stopping distance of the vehicle.”

The recall does not affect vehicles built outside the listed production dates. After July 17, 2020, a different process was used on the Giulia rear brake discs, which show no apparent signs of defect.

Starting January 7, 2021, customers may take their vehicle to a certified dealership to have the rear brake discs replaced. There will be no charge incurred by the consumer.