2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 SEAT Alhambra MOT pass rate and common faults

333 MOT tests in 2024. 48.6% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time48.6%
Failed or needed repairs51.4%
Typical mileage at test149,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 333 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt11.4%
  3. Position lamp: not working10.2%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.4%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.3%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.4%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.8%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.5%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension47.7%
  2. Lights & electrics34.5%
  3. Brakes30.6%
  4. Body & chassis30.0%
  5. Steering12.3%
  6. Tyres10.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded29.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened18.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.3%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.8%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.3%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2003 AlhambraAll Alhambra years2005 Alhambra →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 SEAT Alhambra?

In 2024, 48.6% of 2004 SEAT Alhambra cars passed their MOT first time, across 333 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 SEAT Alhambra?

The most common failure reasons were 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; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2004 SEAT Alhambra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).