When it comes to buying cars, most people's first instinct is to consider luxury models, which usually come with a hefty price tag.

However, when it comes to safety, we should keep in mind that no car—no matter how expensive—is entirely immune to mechanical and electrical faults.

This is particularly relevant when discussing the Alfa Romeo Tonale, an SUV released by the Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo in 2023 in Australia, built between 2022 and 2023.

The company recently recalled 32 units of the Tonale due to a defect that could result in a vehicle fire caused by the SUV's 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The 48-volt batter, which helps to power the Alfa Romeo Tonale at low speeds, could catch fire if submerged in water. Credit: Drive.com.au.

Alfa Romeo Australia lodged a recall notice with the Department of Infrastructure, explaining the potential risk of owning one of the vehicles.

The statement read: 'Due to a manufacturing defect, the 48-volt (hybrid) battery is susceptible to water ingress if submerged for extended periods.’

‘Water ingress can cause the battery to overheat, which may result in a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage to property.'

According to Alfa Romeo Australia, between February and the end of August 2023, they sold a total of 188 Tonale units in the country.

Out of these 188 vehicles, 32 vehicles were reportedly impacted. A full list of vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for the vehicles involved in the recall can be found here in this link.

If you own an affected Alfa Romeo Tonale, please contact your nearest authorised Alfa Romeo dealer as soon as possible to have the issue inspected. If necessary, the battery will be replaced free of charge.

For more information, you can also contact Stellantis Australia, Alfa Romeo's parent company, by calling 1800 075 397 or emailing [email protected].

Key Takeaways

• Alfa Romeo Australia has recalled 32 examples of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale due to a defect that could cause a vehicle fire.
• The fault affects the SUV's 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is susceptible to water ingress if submerged for extended periods.
• Alfa Romeo has advised owners of affected Tonales to have their vehicle’s battery inspected and, if required, replaced free of charge.
• For more information about the recall, owners can also contact Stellantis Australia, Alfa Romeo's parent company.

Members, please contact your local car repairer if you or someone you know owns a 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale. Remember, safety is priceless, so never ignore a recall! Here is a list of other recalls you might want to check out:

• Is your motorbike affected by this dangerous recall?
• Are you at risk? Recall announced for an ALDI PowerPoint
• Safety issues led to the urgent recall of a Steam Vaporiser from Chemist Warehouse
• Double Recall Alert: Ford and Comsol products have safety concerns

We hope to see this issue resolved as soon as possible for all those affected.

 

[MariaG]

Oh phew.
I was tempted to buy that Alpha Romeo, but settled with my Yaris Cross instead.
That was close.

 

[fossie]

When it comes to buying cars, most people's first instinct is to consider luxury models, which usually come with a hefty price tag.

However, when it comes to safety, we should keep in mind that no car—no matter how expensive—is entirely immune to mechanical and electrical faults.

This is particularly relevant when discussing the Alfa Romeo Tonale, an SUV released by the Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo in 2023 in Australia, built between 2022 and 2023.

The company recently recalled 32 units of the Tonale due to a defect that could result in a vehicle fire caused by the SUV's 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

View attachment 30446

The 48-volt batter, which helps to power the Alfa Romeo Tonale at low speeds, could catch fire if submerged in water. Credit: Drive.com.au.

Alfa Romeo Australia lodged a recall notice with the Department of Infrastructure, explaining the potential risk of owning one of the vehicles.

The statement read: 'Due to a manufacturing defect, the 48-volt (hybrid) battery is susceptible to water ingress if submerged for extended periods.’

‘Water ingress can cause the battery to overheat, which may result in a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage to property.'

According to Alfa Romeo Australia, between February and the end of August 2023, they sold a total of 188 Tonale units in the country.

Out of these 188 vehicles, 32 vehicles were reportedly impacted. A full list of vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for the vehicles involved in the recall can be found here in this link.

If you own an affected Alfa Romeo Tonale, please contact your nearest authorised Alfa Romeo dealer as soon as possible to have the issue inspected. If necessary, the battery will be replaced free of charge.

For more information, you can also contact Stellantis Australia, Alfa Romeo's parent company, by calling 1800 075 397 or emailing [email protected].

Key Takeaways

• Alfa Romeo Australia has recalled 32 examples of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale due to a defect that could cause a vehicle fire.
• The fault affects the SUV's 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is susceptible to water ingress if submerged for extended periods.
• Alfa Romeo has advised owners of affected Tonales to have their vehicle’s battery inspected and, if required, replaced free of charge.
• For more information about the recall, owners can also contact Stellantis Australia, Alfa Romeo's parent company.

Members, please contact your local car repairer if you or someone you know owns a 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale. Remember, safety is priceless, so never ignore a recall! Here is a list of other recalls you might want to check out:

• Is your motorbike affected by this dangerous recall?
• Are you at risk? Recall announced for an ALDI PowerPoint
• Safety issues led to the urgent recall of a Steam Vaporiser from Chemist Warehouse
• Double Recall Alert: Ford and Comsol products have safety concerns

We hope to see this issue resolved as soon as possible for all those affected.

No surprises,Alfas have never been any good