2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 SEAT Alhambra MOT pass rate and common faults

200 MOT tests in 2024. 50.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time50.5%
Failed or needed repairs49.5%
Typical mileage at test146,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 200 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt10.0%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.0%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.5%
  4. Position lamp: not working7.5%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.5%
  6. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting5.5%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.0%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault4.0%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.5%
  10. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension47.5%
  2. Lights & electrics43.0%
  3. Body & chassis37.0%
  4. Brakes25.0%
  5. Steering16.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags7.5%
  8. Tyres7.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded31.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.0%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened14.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Alhambra years2004 Alhambra →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 SEAT Alhambra?

In 2024, 50.5% of 2003 SEAT Alhambra cars passed their MOT first time, across 200 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 SEAT Alhambra?

The most common failure reasons were steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 SEAT Alhambra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).