Alfa Romeo Junior – Problems, Defects, and Recalls 2025: A Comprehensive Analysis and Real-World Experiences

The Alfa Romeo Junior, launched commercially after the "Milano" name change, is one of the most controversial models of recent years: a compact B-SUV that brings the Biscione into the urban crossover segment, with hybrid and electric engines , a platform shared with the Stellantis group, and a significant dose of electronics including ADAS, infotainment, and engine management. This is precisely why it is so divisive: on the one hand, the "Alfa" style and driving pleasure, on the other, doubts about reliability, recalls, and long-term problems . In this article, we put everything we know today in order, combining official recalls, defects that have already emerged, weaknesses and real strengths , cross-referencing technical data with the direct experiences of drivers, workshops, and enthusiasts who use it on the road every day.

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WHO IS THIS ARTICLE FOR?

This guide is intended for those who:

• is evaluating the purchase of a hybrid or electric Alfa Romeo Junior and wants to understand what to expect first;
• already owns a Junior and wants to check for recalls, problems and sensitive points to keep an eye on;
• he has heard about the Stellantis 1.2 petrol engine and wants to understand if and to what extent these critical issues also concern the Junior ;
• works in a workshop or in the spare parts sector and needs a practical and up-to-date overview of defects, recalls and maintenance.

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TECHNICAL OVERVIEW: ENGINES, PLATFORM AND WHAT'S CHANGED COMPARED TO THE "OLD" ALFA CARS

The Alfa Romeo Junior is a new-generation B-SUV, built in Poland on the e-CMP / CMP Stellantis platform, the same one shared with the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600, and several Peugeot/Opel city cars. It is therefore not a "traditional Alfa" with a dedicated platform, but a global project adapted to the brand's style and calibration.

The main versions at launch are:

• Junior Hybrid 1.2 Hybrid 136 HP – 1.2 three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, 48V mild-hybrid, 6-speed e-DCT automatic transmission;
• Junior Electric – front electric motor, different batteries depending on the version;
• Junior Elettrica Veloce – higher-performance variant, with high power and a sportier setup.

From a reliability point of view, there are three key points:

1. the 1.2 mild-hybrid engine, heir to the PureTech family, which in other Stellantis applications has historically had problems (timing chain, lubrication, injectors) but has been updated here;
2. the e-DCT6 dual-clutch automatic transmission , very pleasant when it works well but complex from an electronic point of view;
3. the amount of software and electronics (ADAS, infotainment, hybrid systems): often the first problems of new models are precisely here, rather than with the pure mechanics.

In-depth: ALFA ROMEO JUNIOR: ENGINES, PLATFORM, AND TECHNOLOGY – COMPLETE GUIDE 2025

OFFICIAL ALFA ROMEO JUNIOR RECALLS 2024–2025

One of the first things I look for on a new model is: how many recalls has it already had, and for what? For the Junior, official Stellantis campaigns regarding safety and fuel efficiency were launched between 2024 and 2025.

1. HEADLIGHTS AND POWER STEERING RECALL

The first recall package affected approximately 6,500 Alfa Romeo Junior models , both hybrid and electric, produced between 2024 and early 2025.

Reported issue:

• automatic headlight beam adjustment may not work properly;
• Under some conditions, power steering-related ADAS (such as lane keeping) may behave inconsistently.

Potential risks: dazzling oncoming traffic, poor visibility at night, and a potential reduction in the effectiveness of driver assistance systems.

Intervention foreseen by the recall:

• software update of the control units that manage headlights and steering;
• Check headlight alignment and verify that Lane Assist is working correctly.

The intervention is carried out free of charge at the official Alfa Romeo network.

2. FUEL LEAK RECALL (1.2 GEN3 ENGINE)

In 2025, Stellantis launched a major recall involving several of the group's vehicles equipped with the latest-generation 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. This includes the Alfa Romeo Junior 1.2 Hybrid.

Technical defect:

• some nuts on the high pressure fuel pipe between the pump and the rail may not have been tightened correctly;
• this can cause a fuel leak in the engine compartment;
• in the worst cases, in contact with very hot parts, there is a risk of fire starting .

Planned intervention:

• check the tightness of the high pressure pipe;
• replace the tube if you notice signs of leakage or damage;
• general check of the fuel line.

This is a recall that cannot be postponed : even if the defect does not affect all vehicles, the potential risk is serious.

In-depth analysis: STELLANTIS 1.2 PURETECH GEN 3 RECALL (2023–2025): FIRE RISK, AFFECTED MODELS, SYMPTOMS AND WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY

HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR JUNIOR HAS ACTIVE RECALLS

To find out if your Alfa Romeo Junior is affected by one or more campaigns:

• retrieve the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the registration document or windshield;
• check on the official Alfa Romeo / Stellantis recalls website or via the connected app;
• Alternatively, call the Alfa Romeo dealership and ask for a VIN check: in a few minutes they will see all the open campaigns.

TYPICAL PROBLEMS AND DEFECTS OF THE JUNIOR 1.2 HYBRID

Let's now move on to what's most important to those who use their car every day: the defects that emerge in practice . Here I'll combine what I read on forums, what colleagues in the workshop report, and the technical logic of the engine/transmission.

1. E-DCT GEARBOX GOES INTO PROTECTION OR STUCK

On some Junior 1.2 Hybrid models, episodes of the following have been reported:

• engine warning light comes on and message “fault – have vehicle checked” while driving;
• gearbox that gets stuck in one gear (often fourth) and won't shift up or down;
• at next ignition, warnings of gear shift not available or blocked.

In the workshop, in the cases I have seen or have been told about, the process is always the same:

• in-depth diagnosis of the transmission control unit (TCM) and the hybrid system;
• checking the software version and applying updates released by Stellantis;
• testing of the mechatronics group and gear position sensors.

At the moment we are talking about isolated cases , but it is a "bell" to pay attention to if you use the car a lot on the motorway or if you feel the gearbox is inconsistent when changing gear.

2. COLD NOISES FROM THE THREE-CYLINDER ENGINE (HISTING / TICKING)

Another recurring complaint concerns a slight noise when cold in the first few minutes of operation:

• a kind of “hiss” or “chirp” in the anterior area;
• ticking sound that tends to disappear once the oil and engine are up to temperature.

On many three-cylinder turbo engines this behavior is quite typical and often linked to:

• initial lubrication of chain and pads;
• turbo starting to work with oil still cold;
• hybrid management (switches between electric and thermal) which can generate “new” sounds for those coming from more traditional engines.

If the noise decreases significantly when warm and isn't associated with warning lights or performance drops, it's usually worth monitoring. If it increases over time or is accompanied by excessive vibration, it should be investigated further with the official network.

3. COOLANT LEVEL AND SMALL LEAKS

Some owners report the need to top up the coolant in the first few months of their car's life, even without any obvious leaks on the ground.

It is not normal to have to intervene frequently on a new car: in these cases it is advisable to ask for a check from:

• water pump and pipes;
• radiator and joints;
• any leaks on plastic components under pressure.

Better to intervene immediately than to find yourself with a warmed-up modern three-cylinder engine, where the tolerances are very tight.

4. PERCEIVED QUALITY AND FINISHES

From a “sensorial” point of view, many reviewers and users note a good overall quality , but with some choices that recall the relationship with other Stellantis models:

• hard plastics in some areas of the passenger compartment;
• combinations of controls and buttons identical to other models in the group;
• well-shaped rear seats but with little extra attention (missing air vents, few storage compartments).

These are not “problems” in the technical sense, but elements to consider for those coming from Giulia/Stelvio and expecting the same level of attention to every detail.

PROBLEMS AND DEFECTS OF THE JUNIOR ELECTRIC (BEV)

For the electric Junior, so far, most of the reports concern software and comfort rather than serious faults.

1. SOFTWARE AND ADAS SYSTEMS BUGS

As often happens with new-generation electric cars, the first few months are spent refining the software and driving assistants. Some owners report:

• minor infotainment freezes or restarts;
• ADAS warnings sometimes too sensitive (e.g. early collision warnings);
• need for periodic updates to improve the overall fluidity of the systems.

The good news is that many of these problems are resolved with software updates , often performed under warranty.

2. REAR COMFORT AND SPACE

From the impressions of those who drive it every day, some critical issues emerge regarding comfort:

• rear seat not very generous for tall people;
• sports seats in the more powerful versions are pleasant to drive, but stiff on long journeys;
• lack of some small conveniences (dedicated vents, many storage compartments) that other rivals in the segment offer.

On the other hand, the boot is generally considered good for the category and the driving position is appreciated by many Alfa Romeo fans.

3. REAL AUTONOMY AND CONSUMPTION

Like all electric vehicles, the Junior BEV is greatly affected by:

• driving style;
• constant highway speed;
• use of air conditioning;
• outside temperatures.

In the city and on the road, perceived range is often in line with expectations; on the highway at 130 km/h, as with all compact EVs, useful range drops significantly . This isn't a flaw unique to the Junior, but it's worth highlighting for those switching from a diesel to an electric car.

PROS AND CONS: SUMMARY TABLE OF RELIABILITY AND COMFORT

To put things in order, I've summarized below the main pros and cons that emerged about the Alfa Romeo Junior, cross-referencing technical data and real-world feedback.

I wait	Strengths	Weaknesses / cautions
1.2 Hybrid engine	Good performance and fuel consumption; successful combination with the mild-hybrid.	Fuel line recall; historically sensitive engine family: change oil promptly.
e-DCT transmission	Quick gear changes, pleasant driving when everything is right.	Some cases of blocking/protection; heavy dependence on software and proper maintenance.
Electronics / ADAS	Fully equipped, semi-autonomous driving, modern active safety features.	First few months with bugs and recalls (headlights/power steering); software needs to be updated.
Interior quality	Successful visual impact, pleasant driving position, modern infotainment.	Some hard plastics and “group” solutions that are not very premium for Alfa purists.
Junior Electric	Brilliant driving, quiet, zero pollution limits in the city.	Highway range to be evaluated carefully; higher price; rear comfort could be improved.

PRACTICAL ADVICE IF YOU OWN OR WANT TO BUY A JUNIOR

1. CHECK FOR RECALLS NOW WITH YOUR VIN

If you already have a Junior or are about to retire it:

• have the dealer check whether the headlight/power steering and fuel pipe recalls have been carried out;
• always ask for a printout of the intervention history with the closed campaign codes;
• If the car is used, don't settle for "everything should be fine": written confirmation is needed.

2. FOR THE 1.2 HYBRID: OIL, INTERVALS AND CHANGE

From experience, the key to modern small, supercharged engines is not skimping on maintenance and oil. My approach on the Junior 1.2 Hybrid would be:

• change the oil more frequently than recommended in the manual if you travel a lot in the city or on short trips;
• use of oils with correct specifications and quality, avoiding generic supermarket products;
• Pay attention to the first signs of gearbox malfunction (jerking, delays in shifting, warning lights): the later you intervene, the higher the costs will be.

3. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN ELECTRIC JUNIOR

Before signing, ask yourself honestly:

• how much highway will you build in a year;
• whether you can charge at home or in the garage at night;
• whether or not software bugs or periodic updates make you anxious.

If you have a mixed use, mostly city/extra-urban, and home charging, the electric Junior may be a sensible choice. If, however, you drive a lot on the highway and don't have convenient charging options, the 1.2 Hybrid remains the most balanced solution today.

FINAL VERDICT: GIANNI TRITELLA'S OPINION

The Alfa Romeo Junior is a divisive car: on the one hand, it brings the brand into a strategic segment with a recognizable style and interesting driving dynamics, on the other, it suffers from the fact that it is a new model, highly electronic and based on a “group” platform.

To summarize the picture:

• there are official recalls and they should not be taken lightly (headlights/power steering, 1.2 fuel line);
• the basic mechanics so far do not show a general disaster, but require rigorous maintenance and attention, especially on the three-cylinder engine and the dual-clutch gearbox;
• the software/ADAS part is in the “maturity” phase: with updates the car can only improve;
• For those looking for a B-SUV with above-average driving pleasure and willing to accept some youthful compromises, the Junior is a sensible choice, as long as you don't turn a blind eye to the drawbacks.

If I had to give some heartfelt advice:

• I would choose a 1.2 Hybrid with all the recalls already carried out, certified maintenance and a careful eye on oil and intervals;
• I would evaluate the electric only with a truly suitable usage profile (easy charging, few long trips, lots of city).

The important thing is not to buy "blindly": knowing about problems, defects, and recalls before signing puts you in the right position to negotiate, choose the best model, and prevent many problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alfa Romeo Junior Problems and Recalls