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Alfa Romeo GTV 916 (1995-2005) reliability

At a glance

Alfa Romeo GTV 916 built before 2000: fails its MOT more often than average

Alfa Romeo GTV 916 models built before 2000 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at an Alfa Romeo GTV 916?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo GTV 916 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 19% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Alfa Romeo GTV 916 models built before 2000 involves the suspension.

Alfa Romeo GTV 916
poor reliability1995-2005CoupePETROL

Based on 1,303 tests of GTV models registered 1995-2005.

About 1 in 5 GTV 916 MOTs (19%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 674 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 16.2% and 22.1%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 GTV 916 MOTs (7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Based on 674 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.3% and 9.1%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

916 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
8527.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
13426.9%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
21328.2%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
19734.0%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
67431.8%

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 24 years old.

How the GTV 916 compares

At each age below, see how the GTV 916 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 2,533 tests across 4 Alfa Romeo models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAlfa Romeo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
8527.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
13426.9%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
21328.2%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
19734.0%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
67431.8%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the GTV 916.

  1. 1

    Jaguar E-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    1.8%

    Lower fail rate: 8.8%, against 31.8% for the Alfa Romeo GTV 916, both built before 2000.

    1,235 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Jaguar XJS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.8%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 18.0%, against 31.8% for the Alfa Romeo GTV 916, both built before 2000.

    3,539 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Porsche 944

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.7%
    Dangerous
    2.8%

    Lower fail rate: 19.0%, against 31.8% for the Alfa Romeo GTV 916, both built before 2000.

    2,477 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 13.1%, against 31.8% for the Alfa Romeo GTV 916, both built before 2000.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
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

3 recalls in all

All 3 GTV 916 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Electrical wiring may overheat
  • Security of seat belt
  • Rear brake hose may chafe suspension

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on GTV 916 cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 435 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
61%
Emissions
56%
Drivetrain
14%
Steering
13%
Bodywork
10%

Wear items

Brakes
78%
Lighting
67%
Tyres
51%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 27% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How GTV 916 cars have aged

How GTV 916 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.

0%10%20%30%40%1719212325Age at MOTBuilt around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (70 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (52 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (51 tests, 2024 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (66 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (72 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (68 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (51 tests, 2024 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (110 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (99 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (100 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (94 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (95 tests, 2025 data)2002Built around 2001, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (136 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2001, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (124 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2001, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (108 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2001, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (116 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2001, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (105 tests, 2025 data)2001Built around 2000, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (156 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2000, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (134 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2000, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (136 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2000, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (118 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2000, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (112 tests, 2025 data)2000Built around 1999, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (186 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1999, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 36.9% (187 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1999, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 36.5% (159 tests, 2023 data)Built around 1999, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (132 tests, 2024 data)1999Built around 1998, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (90 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1998, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 37.5% (72 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1998, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (56 tests, 2023 data)1998
First registered around 2004First registered around 2003First registered around 2002First registered around 2001
916 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Alfa Romeo GTVs of this age

This list covers every Alfa Romeo GTV built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 916 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    17.8%
    Advisory: 134Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    14.7%
    Advisory: 194Fail: 9 (4% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Major

    Handbrake weaker than required

    13.0%
    Advisory: 14Fail: 82 (85% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.4%
    Advisory: 119Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    9.4%
    Advisory: 91Fail: 10 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 730 tests

Looking at an Alfa Romeo GTV 916?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Alfa Romeo GTV 916 (1995-2005) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 674 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,303 MOT tests on Alfa Romeo GTVs first registered between 1995-2005. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.