Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 (2001-2005) reliability
Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 built around 2004: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 models built around 2004 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at an Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 690 tests of 147 models registered 2001-2005.
Phase 1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 19 years old.
How the 147 Phase 1 compares
At each age below, see how the 147 Phase 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 628 tests across 4 Alfa Romeo models, built around 2004 (21 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 147 Phase 1.
- 1
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 32.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
17,263 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 2
Renault Clio
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 34.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.9%
No clear edge over the Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
7,283 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 3
Subaru Impreza
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 20.4%
No clear edge over the Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,984 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 4
Toyota Yaris
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 32.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.4%
No clear edge over the Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
15,502 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
9 recalls in all5 of the 9 147 Phase 1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 3 Critical
- 2 more
Top concerns
- Possibility of fire
- Possible risk of fire and loss of power assisted steering
- Possible fire risk
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on 147 Phase 1 cars built around 2004
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 62 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 23% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How 147 Phase 1 cars have aged
How 147 Phase 1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as Phase 1 cars age
How each part holds up as Phase 1 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 17 years | 19 years | 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 84% | 75% | 81% |
| Brakes | 66% | 72% | 72% |
| Emissions | 26% | 42% | 34% |
| Tyres | 66% | 57% | 61% |
| Lighting | 58% | 67% | 64% |
| Drivetrain | 15% | 18% | 17% |
| Bodywork | 5% | 22% | 13% |
| Steering | 8% | 4% | 9% |
| Corrosion | 23% | 36% | 37% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 62 to 89 cars at each age.
Phase 1 variants compared
Most common issues on Alfa Romeo 147 models of this age
This list covers every Alfa Romeo 147 built around 2004, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Phase 1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 119.5%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 218.6%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 316.7%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 411.2%Advisory
Exhaust has a minor leak
- 59.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 215 tests
Looking at an Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2004 (21 years old), the Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 1 (2001-2005) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 215 21-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.