by Rust issues on the new Alfa Romeo Tonale
An owner of an Alfa Romeo Tonale from Vancouver reported the appearance of rust and paint bubbles on the rear doors of the SUV just a year after purchase. However, dealers refused to acknowledge the issue, stating that such defects are “completely normal.” This situation has sparked discussions among other owners of vehicles from this brand.
In photos shared by the owner, rust can be seen near the rearview camera, rear door lights, and the trunk release button. Additionally, the paint has begun to peel in some areas.
“The dealer will claim that this is how the car is built, but a one-year-old car is rusting, and all you can do is argue with the dealer or pay for repairs yourself,” the owner wrote on Reddit.
Dealer and manufacturer response
Manufacturer Stellantis refused to repair the car under warranty, stating that the rust warranty only applies in cases where rust has completely eaten through the paint. A representative from the Alfa Romeo dealer in Vancouver claimed that this situation is normal for all Tonale models.
Some other Tonale owners suggested that this might be a manufacturing defect specific to this particular unit, as similar complaints from other customers have not been reported. However, the dealer is in no hurry to resolve the issue, raising concerns about service quality.
The problem may be related to the design of the rear door drainage system, where water remains in a special channel until it reaches a certain level. This creates ideal conditions for corrosion, especially in Canada’s climate. While replacing the rear doors could solve the problem, the owner will have to continue fighting for warranty repairs.
This case raises questions about the durability of new Alfa Romeo models and the quality of their paintwork. Even if this is an isolated incident, the dealer’s and manufacturer’s response could impact consumer trust in the brand, especially in competitive markets like premium SUVs.
