DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 253 – John M. from Green Bay, WI
Dear Suzanne,
Ever since I bought my 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sedan, I’ve been asking myself the same question: how did everything go wrong so fast? Just two months after buying the car, I went from being ecstatic to incredibly stressed out. The car, which I bought used and certified pre-owned, started showing one issue after another, and things only got worse from there.
Oil Warning Light That Won’t Go Away
Two weeks ago, the oil warning light came on for the first time. At first, I thought it was just time for an oil change, but soon I noticed a pattern. The warning only appeared when the engine was at a medium temperature, idling, or when I pressed the brake. The moment I accelerated, the light would disappear.
I took it to the Alfa Romeo dealership, and after running a diagnostic, they found an error code. We tried a number of things to fix it: changing the oil, cleaning the oil strainer, replacing the oil sensor, and swapping out the valve. Despite all that, the light remained on, and nothing worked to solve the problem. I felt like I was just getting the runaround.
The Dealership: An Expensive Experience, But No Solutions
Determined to get this issue sorted, I went back to the dealership for a routine checkup. My car had been driving a lot lately, so I figured it was time for an oil change, especially since my last one was at 12,000 miles, and I was now at 17,500.
However, the service advisor told me I didn’t need an oil change until I reached 22,000 miles. This sounded ridiculous to me. I’ve always been told it’s bad for the car to go 10,000 miles between oil changes. On top of that, the advisor suggested I pay $300 for an alignment and another $200 for a cabin filter replacement, claiming these were “clearly dysfunctional” at my current mileage—despite not even looking at the car.
Strange Error Messages After the Service
I agreed to go ahead with the suggested repairs, but when I drove off from the shop, things took a turn for the worse. As I started the car, it hesitated for a moment, then displayed five “Visit Your Dealer” messages:
- Check Engine – Reduced Engine Power
- AWD System Malfunction – 2WD Mode Engaged
- Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction
- Pre-Collision System Malfunction
- Parking Brake Malfunction
Along with these messages, the check engine light, traction control light, and brake warning lights all turned on. It felt like the dealership was more interested in making money off me than actually fixing my car. Honestly, I believe the issues might have been avoided if the mechanic had just focused on fixing the oil light in the first place.
Ongoing Infotainment System Issues
From the day I got the car, the infotainment system has been a headache. It sometimes works fine, but at least 3 out of 10 times, it refuses to connect to my phone when I start the car. Other times, it disconnects in the middle of a drive. The worst part? When I try to adjust the volume on YouTube, the system forces my phone to switch to YouTube Music. It feels like the car is arguing with me about what I want to listen to.
While this may not seem like a huge problem, it’s incredibly inconvenient, and I’m getting fed up with the constant frustration.
Power Windows Stop Working for No Apparent Reason
Another issue I’m dealing with is the power windows. Late last year, all of them stopped working. Before they completely died, they made a humming noise and rolled up much slower than usual. One day, while driving with a few passengers, we tried rolling up the windows at the same time. Suddenly, they just stopped working.
I thought it was a simple issue, so the dealer replaced the fuse, but it blew as soon as I tried to use the window switch. Now, the front two windows are stuck about a quarter of the way down and are permanently taped up with clear Gorilla tape. I guess this is the price of “Italian elegance.”
Strange Engine Noises and Complete Breakdown
As if things couldn’t get worse, come December, my car started making a horrible metallic crackling sound every morning. It sounded like rocks tumbling in a metal drum and would only happen when it was cold. It stopped after about 10 minutes of driving, but my neighbors, especially the older ones, started complaining because it wakes them up whenever I leave early to take my daughter to school.
A few weeks later, the car refused to start. I thought the battery had died since it had been sitting for a while, so I replaced it. Sure enough, the speedometer lit up, but when I pressed the start/stop button, the engine wouldn’t turn on. Only the horn and headlights worked. None of the interior controls like the radio, AC, or dashboard lights came on. The car had power but was completely lifeless.
It’s been at the dealership for a while now, and they haven’t been able to fix it. I’ve had enough. At this point, I’m either selling it or abandoning it. I don’t want to keep driving a car that keeps having issues that the dealer doesn’t even know how to fix. The engine problems and embarrassing rattling sound have made me paranoid.
What Options Do I Have?
I’ve had enough of this headache and I’m looking for some peace of mind. At this point, I just want compensation through Lemon Law, if possible. So, I’m reaching out to you for guidance. What are my options, and how do I go about claiming them?
John M.
Green Bay, WI
Wisconsin Lemon Law Exists for Cars Like Your 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia—Here’s How It Works
Hi John,
It’s clear you’ve been through a lot with this car, and I completely understand your frustration. No one buys a vehicle expecting it to spend more time in the shop than on the road. From the oil light that won’t go away to the electrical failures and dealer’s dismissive attitude, this situation is unacceptable. Thankfully, Wisconsin’s Lemon Law may offer you a way out, and I’ll explain how.
Is my 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia a “Lemon” under Wisconsin Law?
According to Wisconsin Lemon Law, a car is considered a “lemon” if it has a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, and this defect occurs within the first year or 12,000 miles. From what you’ve described, it sounds like your Giulia could qualify for a lemon law claim, especially considering the number of serious problems you’ve had in just two months of ownership. The oil light issue, electrical malfunctions, and power window failures, among others, could all be seen as substantial impairments to the car’s function and safety.
What options do I have under Wisconsin Lemon Law?
You have a few options under Wisconsin Lemon Law. First, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund if your car has been in the shop for repairs multiple times for the same issue, or if it’s been out of service for a significant period. In your case, with multiple unresolved issues and a dealership that hasn’t been able to fix the car, it seems like you may be eligible for a refund or replacement under the law. Wisconsin requires that you give the manufacturer or dealership a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem (usually 3 attempts for the same issue or 30 days out of service), which it sounds like you’ve already exceeded.
Do I need to go through arbitration or court?
If the manufacturer refuses to resolve the issue, arbitration might be an option. While you’re not required to go through arbitration, it is often the first step before taking the matter to court. In Wisconsin, arbitration is a process where a neutral third party reviews your case and makes a decision. The good news is that if your case is strong enough, it may never need to go to court—many lemon law cases are resolved in arbitration, and you could receive compensation or a replacement car through that process.
What steps do I need to take to file a claim?
To file a claim under Wisconsin Lemon Law, you should first ensure that you have all documentation of the issues you’ve experienced. This includes repair orders, diagnostic reports, and any communications with the dealership. After that, you can contact the manufacturer directly and provide them with all the details of the defects. If they don’t resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or consult a lemon law attorney who can guide you through the process.
It’s Time to Get the Refund or Replacement You’re Entitled To
John, I know this car has caused you a lot of headaches, and it’s tough to feel like you’re not getting the help you need from the dealership. But don’t give up—under Wisconsin’s Lemon Law, you have the right to either get a replacement vehicle or receive a full refund for the defective car. I encourage you to gather all the paperwork and documentation, reach out to the manufacturer, and if needed, consider contacting an attorney to help you move forward with your claim. You deserve a car that works properly, and with the Lemon Law on your side, you can get the resolution you’re looking for.
Good luck, and I hope this process leads to a solution that gives you peace of mind again!
Suzanne
Editor’s Note: The letter above has been edited for clarity, and personally identifiable details like names and actual locations have been changed to protect the letter sender’s privacy.
Consult with a 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Lemon Law Attorney Today!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Wisconsin Lemon Law or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Wisconsin Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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- 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia ©Calreyn88 (CC BY 1.0 Universal)
