SEAT Altea XL

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 8 model years from 2,285 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests

2,285

Highest Pass Rate

2013 (80%)

Years Covered

About the SEAT Altea XL

The SEAT Altea XL was MOT tested 2,285 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 8 model years (2007 to 2014), 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 80% from 436 tests. The 2007 model has the lowest at 68%. The 12 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Altea XLs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2007) averages 128,166 miles, while the newest (2014) averages 86,546 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 XL 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 2014 details

How reliable is the SEAT Altea XL?

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

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

Best to worst year spread12 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

SEAT Altea XL by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	80%	132	86,546 mi
2013	80%	436	91,157 mi
2012	77%	175	97,118 mi
2011	77%	195	107,823 mi
2010	72%	187	124,273 mi
2009	70%	298	128,960 mi
2008	69%	509	128,641 mi
2007	68%	353	128,166 mi

Questions about the SEAT Altea XL

Is the SEAT Altea XL reliable?

Across its 8 model years in our data (2007 to 2014), the SEAT Altea XL averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 2,285 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 80%.

Which year SEAT Altea XL has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 SEAT Altea XL has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 68%, a 12 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.