SEAT Alhambra

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 24 model years from 46,435 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests

46,435

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (88%)

Years Covered

About the SEAT Alhambra

The SEAT Alhambra was MOT tested 46,435 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 24 model years (1997 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 74%. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88% from 4,394 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 62%. With a 26 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Alhambras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 17 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 126,277 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 27,872 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the SEAT brand average of 85%, the Alhambra is 11 points lower, placing it among the less reliable SEAT models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,152

Per month£179/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the SEAT Alhambra?

vs average of all models-8% (82% avg)

vs SEAT brand average-11% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread26 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

SEAT Alhambra by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	73%	75	27,872 mi
2020	88%	1,380	38,278 mi
2019	88%	4,394	53,999 mi
2018	88%	4,108	70,018 mi
2017	86%	9,699	86,445 mi
2016	85%	6,815	106,522 mi
2015	82%	3,698	112,826 mi
2014	81%	3,129	110,232 mi
2013	79%	2,677	111,898 mi
2012	76%	2,514	124,005 mi
2011	77%	2,167	127,765 mi
2010	73%	643	135,758 mi
2009	66%	615	140,976 mi
2008	67%	967	143,588 mi
2007	64%	858	139,944 mi
2006	66%	642	145,145 mi
2005	67%	526	149,540 mi
2004	65%	676	151,281 mi
2003	63%	393	147,953 mi
2002	62%	208	142,785 mi
2001	72%	68	133,983 mi
1999	70%	40	137,426 mi
1998	66%	91	142,462 mi
1997	73%	52	126,277 mi

Questions about the SEAT Alhambra

Is the SEAT Alhambra reliable?

Across its 24 model years in our data (1997 to 2021), the SEAT Alhambra averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 46,435 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 88%.

Which year SEAT Alhambra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 SEAT Alhambra has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 62%, a 26 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.