Hey everyone, I recently had a terrifying experience with an Alfa Romeo Stelvio that I wanted to share, and I’d really appreciate any advice or insights from the community or share the experience so others could be aware.
So last month, I got locked inside my sister's car that I was keeping for a few weeks whilst she was away overseas. It was on a 38-degree Melbourne summer day I got in the car and got stuck for about 25 minutes. The deadlock feature 'apparently' kicked in just before the battery went flat, and I was completely stuck – the doors wouldn’t open, and none of the usual unlocking methods worked. I crawled to the back sweating like a dog, trying to figure out if there is a manual release. (I learnt later that there is a small release hidden behind a plastic cap) Despite multiple attempts to jump-start or unlock the car, nothing helped. Eventually, my neighbours had to break the rear passenger window to get me out. The timing was also weird I was at home alone with family also away and there was no way a spare key would've been available. Also called Alfa Romeo emergency roadside assist and they put me on hold for a few minutes and then gave me another number to call. At which point I thought there was no point to calling them.
After this ordeal, I visited the Alfa Romeo dealership and spoke to the service manager. He offered to request head office to cover the cost of my broken window, but he also asked me to pay for a new battery myself. Which is kinda Ok but was disappointed about how they underplayed the whole incident. I emailed the manager later asking for a investigation and if there is something broader they can do to avoid this from occurring in their cars. Nothing concrete came out of that.
This whole incident has left me a bit anxious about getting into my car, especially on hot days. I’m also concerned about the deadlock system and the fact that there’s no emergency override to exit the vehicle in situations like this.
I’d love to hear from others who might have experienced something similar:
Has anyone else had issues with the deadlock systems on their cars? Would it be worth escalating this to Alfa Romeo HQ or a consumer protection body? Any advice would be greatly appreciated – I just want to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
Update 1:
For those keyboard warriors who think I want retribution or have other hidden agenda here is some examples where this could’ve easily turned into something more dangerous.
https://www.vwidtalk.com/threads/not-locked-out-locked-in-ho…
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/115486-volks…
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-his-dog-found-dead-…
Update 2
I am not looking for any financial compensation as this is not even my car, just trying to share my experience and increase awareness so if there is anything else I can do to escalate this incident.
Update 3
Thanks guys for all the feedback and well wishes,
I’m going to stop repeating myself or responding to what I should’ve done etc hind sight is awesome considering the scenario I was in, and with the help outside the car I had I think I was lucky that I got out safely and it was one of the better outcomes.
Please consider this as a community awareness announcement, and I shall leave it there ..🙏🏽
Thanks in advance!
I’ve been locked in a car for a similar length of time in similar heat - it’s pretty scary how long insanely hot it gets. Your brain turns from rational to survival mode very quickly.