The Alfa Romeo Tonale is involved in a new recall campaign covering 33,326 vehicles sold across several countries. The action affects only the 160-hp 1.5 Hybrid version built between February 15, 2022 and February 12, 2026. Under certain conditions, abnormal combustion can place excessive stress on one of the connecting rods, so Stellantis has prepared an engine control unit software update.
Alfa Romeo recalls over 33,000 Tonale models over possible engine failure
The recall addresses combustion management that can create unusually high loads on a connecting rod in specific situations. That stress may cause the component to bend or break, potentially leading to serious engine damage. In the most severe scenario described in the safety documentation, the failure could also increase the risk of a fire while driving.
The published documents do not call for a preventive replacement of the engine or connecting rods on every affected vehicle. Instead, Alfa Romeo will reprogram the engine control unit with revised software designed to prevent the conditions that can trigger the problem. Dealers will perform the update free of charge, and the procedure should take around 30 minutes.
The available documentation does not explain what will happen if a vehicle has already suffered mechanical damage before receiving the update. Owners in that situation will need a dealer inspection to determine whether the software fix alone can solve the issue or whether the engine requires additional repairs.
The recall affects an engine that has been part of the Tonale lineup since the SUV’s early years following its 2022 launch. Alfa Romeo later increased output from the 1.5 Hybrid to 175 hp as part of the model’s update, but vehicles equipped with that newer version do not fall under the current campaign.
Owners of affected 160-hp Tonale models can check their vehicle’s status through the VIN or contact an Alfa Romeo dealer before scheduling an appointment. Providing the recall campaign code can help the dealer confirm whether the vehicle requires the software update.
