2005 · 19 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2005 SEAT Alhambra MOT pass rate and common faults

258 MOT tests in 2024. 52.3% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time52.3%
Failed or needed repairs47.7%
Typical mileage at test145,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 258 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt11.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.1%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements8.1%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.8%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.8%
  7. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side5.0%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.7%
  9. Position lamp: not working3.9%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.9%
    17 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension39.1%
  2. Brakes32.6%
  3. Lights & electrics29.8%
  4. Body & chassis29.1%
  5. Tyres10.9%
  6. Steering10.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  8. Emissions & leaks3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded28.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.8%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn15.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.1%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.0%

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 2005 SEAT Alhambra?

In 2024, 52.3% of 2005 SEAT Alhambra cars passed their MOT first time, across 258 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 SEAT Alhambra?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2005 SEAT Alhambra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).