SEAT Alhambra MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 28,819 MOT tests on the SEAT Alhambra carried out in 2023. 26% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Alhambras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2001 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (70% passed, +1.6 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2002 models fared worst (43%, −14.3 points). Tested cars had covered 89,463 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 8.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 4.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 28,819
- First-time pass rate
- 74%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +2.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 89,463
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Alhambra?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Alhambra MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 845 | 87% | 88% | −0.9 points | 27,827 |
| 2019 | 2,712 | 85% | 86% | −1.5 points | 40,432 |
| 2018 | 2,551 | 85% | 84% | +0.4 points | 55,425 |
| 2017 | 6,119 | 82% | 82% | −0.1 points | 72,865 |
| 2016 | 4,267 | 79% | 79% | +0.8 points | 94,311 |
| 2015 | 2,231 | 75% | 75% | −0.1 points | 101,315 |
| 2014 | 1,907 | 73% | 72% | +1.4 points | 102,186 |
| 2013 | 1,598 | 70% | 68% | +1.6 points | 101,556 |
| 2012 | 1,441 | 66% | 66% | +0.8 points | 116,424 |
| 2011 | 1,266 | 64% | 63% | +0.8 points | 120,518 |
| 2010 | 391 | 58% | 60% | −2.9 points | 131,767 |
| 2009 | 376 | 51% | 59% | −8.5 points | 136,126 |
| 2008 | 558 | 46% | 57% | −11.1 points | 140,281 |
| 2007 | 545 | 46% | 57% | −10.5 points | 137,753 |
| 2006 | 485 | 48% | 56% | −8.5 points | 144,995 |
| 2005 | 403 | 48% | 56% | −8.6 points | 149,656 |
| 2004 | 495 | 46% | 56% | −10.3 points | 149,525 |
| 2003 | 324 | 47% | 57% | −10.0 points | 149,389 |
| 2002 | 132 | 43% | 58% | −14.3 points | 141,230 |
| 2001 | 63 | 54% | 59% | −4.7 points | 145,950 |
Why the SEAT Alhambra fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Alhambra | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.8% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 8.5% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 7.7% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 5.0% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.8% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 2.8% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.4% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.1% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working4.2%
- 2pin or bush excessively worn4.0%
- 3has ply or cords exposed3.4%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
- 6has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
- 7ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
- 9fractured or broken1.5%
- 10constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.2%
Common Alhambra MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Alhambra, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 20.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 15.2% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.7% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 4.2% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 3.5% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.0% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.9% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Alhambra pass
Based on where Alhambras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 7.7% of Alhambra tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 5.0% of Alhambra tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Alhambra ULEZ compliant? See the SEAT Alhambra ULEZ check, or view all SEAT models.
Other SEAT models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 28,819 first MOT tests of the SEAT Alhambra carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 28,819 first MOT tests of the SEAT Alhambra.
What is the SEAT Alhambra MOT failure rate?
In our data, 26% of 28,819 first MOT attempts on the SEAT Alhambra ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a SEAT Alhambra fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (8.8% of tests), tyres (8.5% of tests), lights and electrics (7.7% of tests).
Which Alhambra year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 70% passed first time, +1.6 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2002, at 43% (−14.3 points).
How many miles had a typical SEAT Alhambra covered at its MOT?
The average was 89,463 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 27,827 miles and 2001 cars 145,950.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the SEAT Alhambra?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 20.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.5% of Alhambras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Alhambra's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 28,819 Alhambras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 43% to 87% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
Check any Alhambra's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.