Diesel SEAT Alhambra: MOT pass rate

78.3% of diesel SEAT Alhambras pass the MOT first time, measured across 26,738 DVSA tests on that fuel type alone. Average mileage at test was 99,945.

Diesel against the other SEAT Alhambra versions

Why the fuel type changes the number

Diesels carry DPFs, EGR valves and stricter smoke limits, so emissions and exhaust faults account for failures petrol cars never see.

On the SEAT Alhambra specifically, petrol is the strongest at 79.2%, and this diesel version sits 0 points above the 78.3% model average.

What it means if you are buying one

There is little to choose between fuel types on this model, so decide on running costs and mileage rather than MOT record. Buying a damaged one? run it through the analyzer, check the exact car, decode the VIN and check the mileage before you bid.

Mileage is part of the answer

The average diesel SEAT Alhambra had covered 99,945 miles at test, against 70,983 for the petrol. That is above average and into the range where cambelts and water pumps are due if they have not already been done, so ask for the service history rather than take the mileage on trust.

Fuel type and mileage are tangled together: diesels are usually bought by higher-mileage drivers, so some of any gap between fuels is the miles rather than the engine. The per-year figures on the SEAT Alhambra page separate age from fuel if you want to isolate one.

Most common MOT failures on a diesel SEAT Alhambra

1. A tyre cords visible or damaged, 5.1% of tests (3.02x the national rate for this defect)
2. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 1.8% of tests (1.9x the national rate for this defect)
3. A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 1.2% of tests (1.89x the national rate for this defect)
4. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 8.3% of tests (1.66x the national rate for this defect)
5. Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction, 1.9% of tests (1.46x the national rate for this defect)
6. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 3.6% of tests
7. A tyre seriously damaged, 3.1% of tests
8. A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 2.1% of tests
9. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 1.9% of tests
10. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, 1.4% of tests

From 26,907 DVSA-tracked diesel SEAT Alhambra tests, 2024, split out from the SEAT Alhambra's other fuel types. DVSA testers marked 6.57% of these flagged defects as "dangerous", against 5.11% nationally. See which fuel type fails on the most dangerous defects nationally for how that compares across the whole fleet.

Most common MOT advisories on a diesel SEAT Alhambra

Flagged but doesn't fail the car, a different list from the failures above.

1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 28.1% of tests (2.1x the national rate for this defect), also fails
2. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 38.7% of tests (1.45x the national rate for this defect), also fails
3. A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded, 7.5% of tests (1.44x the national rate for this defect)
4. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 1.8% of tests (1.42x the national rate for this defect)
5. Number plate inscription missing or illegible, 3.6% of tests (1.36x the national rate for this defect)
6. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 2% of tests (1.29x the national rate for this defect), also fails
7. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 14.3% of tests (1.17x the national rate for this defect)
8. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 9.6% of tests, also fails
9. A tyre seriously damaged, 8.6% of tests, also fails
10. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, 4.9% of tests, also fails

From 26,907 DVSA-tracked diesel SEAT Alhambra tests, 2024.

Other SEAT Alhambra fuel types

• Petrol SEAT Alhambra - 79.2%

All SEAT Alhambra MOT data · Every model