Tonale Rust Trouble

Alfa Romeo’s New SUV Problem

So, get this. It seems like the shiny, new Alfa Romeo Tonale is having a bit of an issue with rust, and it’s catching the attention of some owners who expected a bit more from their fresh set of wheels. A Reddit user shared that they noticed rust on the tailgate of their barely year-old Tonale, especially around the backup camera. That wouldn’t raise eyebrows ordinarily, but the car is new, and it’s a premium ride expected to boast durability. Turns out, this isn’t an isolated incident—seems it’s the result of a design oversight.

Design Flaw?

What’s reportedly causing this rust issue? It’s largely down to the drainage setup on the Tonale’s tailgate. The drainage system, complete with plastic stoppers, needs a fair amount of water—around a quarter inch—to start flowing out. Until then, any water that gets in might just be sitting there, giving rust a great opportunity to set in before it finally drains away. Not ideal for a vehicle that folks can spend upwards of $40,000 on.

Dealer’s Take

The kicker here is how the dealership responded. Owners found themselves being told that this condition is “100% normal” and that it’s not covered under the warranty unless it’s visible rust that has gone all the way through the panel. Alfa Romeo offers a three-year warranty for such cases, but only if the rust has perforated the metal, which isn’t happening just yet. Plus, the dealership is apparently showing evidence of other Tonales with the same issue, which seems to indicate it’s not painting a rosy picture for Tonale buyers.

Driving and Options

Now, driving the Tonale should be quite an experience too—it’s quick and agile, with a certain flair that’s ingrained in the Alfa Romeo DNA. It’s just a downer that this rust issue might cloud what should be an enjoyable ownership experience. Owners facing this problem can consider a few options: possibly initiating legal action, perhaps banding together with other affected owners for a class action lawsuit, or taking matters into their own hands by adding extra drainage and treating any rust spots personally. As of now, Stellantis, Alfa Romeo’s parent company, hasn’t made an official statement, and it seems like this saga is still unfolding.