SEAT Altea

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 12 model years from 24,385 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests

24,385

Highest Pass Rate

2015 (83%)

Years Covered

About the SEAT Altea

The SEAT Altea was MOT tested 24,385 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 12 model years (2004 to 2015), 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 diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 83% from 719 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. With a 17 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 Alteas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 126,960 miles, while the newest (2015) averages 75,236 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

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

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

£1,219

Road Tax

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/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 2015 details

How reliable is the SEAT Altea?

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

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

Best to worst year spread17 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

SEAT Altea by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	83%	719	75,236 mi
2014	81%	1,186	79,876 mi
2013	78%	2,135	90,012 mi
2012	77%	2,577	98,817 mi
2011	75%	2,094	105,969 mi
2010	74%	2,289	112,168 mi
2009	73%	2,630	117,296 mi
2008	71%	3,140	122,300 mi
2007	72%	3,709	124,859 mi
2006	70%	2,255	123,008 mi
2005	68%	1,174	132,148 mi
2004	66%	477	126,960 mi

Questions about the SEAT Altea

Is the SEAT Altea reliable?

Across its 12 model years in our data (2004 to 2015), the SEAT Altea averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 24,385 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 83%.

Which year SEAT Altea has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 SEAT Altea has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%, a 17 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.