2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 SEAT Alhambra MOT pass rate and common faults

470 MOT tests in 2024. 48.7% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time48.7%
Failed or needed repairs51.3%
Typical mileage at test141,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 470 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.4%
  2. Position lamp: not working7.9%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.7%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.3%
  6. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side4.9%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.5%
  8. Stop lamp: not working4.5%
  9. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.0%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension42.8%
  2. Lights & electrics29.6%
  3. Body & chassis28.3%
  4. Brakes28.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.4%
  6. Steering7.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.8%
  8. Tyres6.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.5%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.6%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.1%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 SEAT Alhambra?

In 2024, 48.7% of 2008 SEAT Alhambra cars passed their MOT first time, across 470 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 SEAT Alhambra?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2008 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).