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Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1 (2009-2018) reliability

At a glance

Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average

Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1 models built around 2018 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at an Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1?

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

Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1
poor reliability2009-2018HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 23,309 tests of MiTo models registered 2009-2018.

About 1 in 20 MiTo Series 1 MOTs (5.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 689 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.8% and 7.1%. 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 20 MiTo Series 1 MOTs (5.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 689 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.2% and 7.6%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Series 1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
15520.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
68924.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,32224.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,11226.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,04628.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,12228.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,32728.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,03028.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3,40930.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,16932.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,92831.4%

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 15 years old.

How the MiTo Series 1 compares

At each age below, see how the MiTo Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 5,064 tests across 5 Alfa Romeo models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAlfa Romeo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
15520.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
68924.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,32224.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,11226.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,04628.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,12228.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,32728.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,03028.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3,40930.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,16932.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,92831.4%

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.

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

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

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 hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the MiTo Series 1.

  1. 1

    Honda Jazz

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.8%
    Dangerous
    3.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    98%

    Lower fail rate: 10.2%, against 24.2% for the Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1, both built around 2018.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    21,810 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Kia Rio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    Lower fail rate: 13.6%, against 24.2% for the Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1, both built around 2018.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,421 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Ford Ka

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.3%

    Lower fail rate: 16.7%, against 24.2% for the Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1, both built around 2018.

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

    14,260 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Honda Civic

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.3%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 24.2% for the Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1, both built around 2018.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,309 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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.

How many are still registered

88%of all Alfa Romeo MiTo cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

2 recalls in all

Both MiTo Series 1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Front seat belt pretensioner could malfunction during deployment
  • Braking efficiency may be reduced

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

How MiTo Series 1 cars have aged

How MiTo Series 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.

0%10%20%30%3579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (330 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (312 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (324 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (308 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (306 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (647 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (648 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (634 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (615 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (600 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (1,246 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (1,238 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (1,266 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (1,185 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (1,179 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (1,341 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (1,271 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (1,265 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (1,128 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (1,127 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (1,518 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (1,489 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (1,428 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (1,340 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (1,235 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (1,581 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (1,501 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (1,405 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (1,254 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (1,180 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (2,130 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (2,035 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (1,925 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (1,752 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (1,574 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (2,643 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (2,495 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (2,341 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (2,053 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (1,873 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (3,408 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (3,140 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (2,878 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (2,457 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (2,087 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (3,554 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (3,105 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (2,808 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (2,338 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,928 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
Series 1 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Alfa Romeo MiTos of this age

This list covers every Alfa Romeo MiTo built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    18.4%
    Advisory: 179Fail: 24 (12% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.3%
    Advisory: 194Fail: 14 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    13.1%
    Advisory: 120Fail: 3 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    10.7%
    Advisory: 21Fail: 73 (78% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.4%
    Advisory: 85Fail: 11 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 689 tests

Looking at an Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1 (2009-2018) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 689 7-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 23,309 MOT tests on Alfa Romeo MiTos first registered between 2009-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.