Giulia's Spongy Brake Pedal Signals Service Needed

Had the same issue with my 2016 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Diesel at similar mileage. The spongy brake pedal often indicates air in the hydraulic brake system or deteriorating brake fluid. Initial symptoms matched yours, inconsistent pedal pressure and reduced braking performance. The master cylinder was actually fine in my case. The main issue was contaminated brake fluid that had absorbed moisture over time, compromising the hydraulic brakes effectiveness. A complete brake fluid flush and bleeding resolved the sponginess. However, during inspection, the mechanic found the brake lines needed attention due to minor seepage allowing air into the system. This was causing the inconsistent pedal feel. Left unaddressed, this could have led to more serious brake system failures. The repair involved: Complete brake fluid flush, Brake system bleeding, Brake line replacement, Full system pressure test The job was fairly serious since it involved critical safety components. Worth noting that brake fluid should typically be changed every 2 years regardless of mileage to prevent similar issues. Would strongly recommend getting it checked soon, as deteriorating brake performance can escalate quickly.

Thanks for the detailed explanation of your repair. Seems spot on, I had nearly identical symptoms with my Giulia a few months ago. A warning light actually came on right before I noticed the spongy brake pedal. Glad I got it fixed quickly before any major brake system issues developed. Would you mind sharing roughly how much the total repair cost? Also curious if youve had any other brake-related problems since the fix? Just want to know what to expect long-term with these hydraulic brakes.

Really glad your brake inspection caught the problem early. Like yours, my warning light also indicated low brake fluid levels, which we fixed during the service. The total repair came to 480 Euro, covering both labor and parts. The bulk of the cost went toward replacing worn brake components and doing a complete system flush. Since that brake fluid replacement and system bleeding, everything has worked perfectly for over 18000km now. No more spongy pedal or inconsistent pressure issues. A properly maintained brake system should stay reliable as long as you keep up with regular fluid changes every 2 years. Worth mentioning, while the initial cost might seem high, keeping up with preventive brake maintenance usually works out cheaper than waiting for major problems to develop. Regular brake inspections help catch wear patterns early.

Thanks for all the helpful advice. Finally got my Giulia back from the shop yesterday. The mechanic found exactly what you described, contaminated brake fluid and a small leak in one brake line that was letting air into the system. The total repair came to 520 Euro, which included a complete fluid flush, brake line replacement, and system bleeding. The warning light is now off and the brake pedal feels firm again, no more sponginess or inconsistent pressure when braking. The mechanic also showed me the old contaminated brake fluid, which had turned really dark. Made me realize I should have stuck to the recommended 2-year fluid replacement schedule for the hydraulic brakes. Lesson learned, will definitely stay on top of brake maintenance from now on.