2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Alfa Romeo 156 MOT pass rate and common faults

227 MOT tests in 2024. 62.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

108Well above average
Passed first time62.1%
Failed or needed repairs37.9%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 227 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed4.0%
    10 marked dangerous
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.5%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.5%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.1%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.6%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.6%
  9. Washers: not working2.2%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.8%
  2. Brakes18.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks12.3%
  4. Body & chassis11.9%
  5. Suspension10.1%
  6. Tyres7.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.6%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.8%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.4%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2003 Alfa Romeo 156?

In 2024, 62.1% of 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 cars passed their MOT first time, across 227 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Alfa Romeo 156?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 108, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).