NHTSA Complaint #11563485 — 2018 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

When attempting to start the car using the push-button on the steering wheel, the engine did not crank and several system alerts were visible on the display (no warnings prior to this). Smoke began billowing from under the hood and left-front wheel arch after a few seconds. It was towed to the shop, the problem reproduced, and found to have a corroded main grounding wire going from the transmission to the frame. It is clear that the ground wire, which is not insulated or covered in any way, was not sufficiently grounding the electrical systems. Thus, the path of least resistance was the smaller gauge wiring in the electrical harness to include the ABS and starting/charging circuits which melted under the higher load. The extent of the damage is still being evaluated at the repair facility. This defect in the electrical circuitry could, at worst, have caused a fire, but thankfully just left us stranded. It is believed this problem could occur even while driving creating a serious condition and potential for an accident or injury.