Skip to main content
Check

SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) (2010-2020) reliability

At a glance

SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) built around 2018: fails its MOT less often than average

SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) models built around 2018 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) right now?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N)
average reliability2010-2020MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 29,954 tests of Alhambra models registered 2010-2020.

About 1 in 50 Alhambra Mk2 (7N) MOTs (2.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 5,105 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). 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 Alhambra Mk2 (7N) MOTs (7.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 5,105 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (7N) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
34613.3%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,81812.2%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,82213.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
5,10516.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,34218.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
3,73018.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,64322.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,21724.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,92524.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,72326.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,06626.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
21732.3%

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 Alhambra Mk2 (7N) compares

At each age below, see how the Alhambra Mk2 (7N) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 70,337 tests across 7 SEAT models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSEAT average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
34613.3%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,81812.2%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,82213.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
5,10516.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,34218.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
3,73018.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,64322.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,21724.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,92524.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,72326.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,06626.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
21732.3%

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 pads

High priority

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

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Alhambra Mk2 (7N).

  1. 1

    Kia Venga

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.7%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.8%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 16.3% for the SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N), both built around 2018.

    5,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Hyundai ix20

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.5%, against 16.3% for the SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N), both built around 2018.

    3,239 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.7%

    No clear edge over the SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) on these figures.

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

    1,057 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Ford Tourneo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.2%

    No clear edge over the SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) on these figures.

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

    3,550 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

90%of all SEAT Alhambra 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

13 recalls in all

8 of the 13 Alhambra Mk2 (7N) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Front driver airbag replacement
  • A condenser may fail due to inadequate heat treatment in the airbag control unit

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

What has gone wrong on Alhambra Mk2 (7N) cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 163 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
9%
Emissions
4%

Wear items

Tyres
25%
Brakes
6%
Lighting
5%
How Alhambra Mk2 (7N) cars have aged

How Alhambra Mk2 (7N) 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 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (527 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (566 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (539 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.1% (1,750 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (1,774 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (1,852 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,710 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (1,881 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (1,860 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (1,846 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (1,803 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (1,834 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (3,999 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (4,017 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (4,058 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (3,943 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (3,885 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (2,825 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (2,822 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (2,783 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (2,696 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (2,633 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (1,783 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (1,694 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (1,711 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (1,640 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (1,620 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (1,492 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (1,532 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (1,419 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (1,403 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (1,374 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (1,343 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (1,336 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (1,256 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (1,210 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (1,152 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (1,197 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (1,154 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (1,124 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (1,083 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (1,043 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (1,025 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (1,005 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (971 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (886 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (850 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (319 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (296 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (284 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (256 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (217 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
How each part holds up as Mk2 (7N) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 (7N) cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 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 car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension10%9%18%
Brakes14%6%15%
Emissions5%4%5%
Tyres21%25%37%
Lighting4%5%8%
Drivetrain1%No figure1%
Corrosion0%0%0%

Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 163 to 399 cars at each age.

Mk2 (7N) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on SEAT Alhambras of this age

This list covers every SEAT Alhambra built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (7N) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    22.7%
    Advisory: 1,812Fail: 137 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    17.4%
    Advisory: 1,233Fail: 264 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.4%
    Advisory: 490Fail: 74 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.8%
    Advisory: 307Fail: 256 (45% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    7.4%
    Advisory: 492Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 5,105 tests

Looking at a SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) right now?

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 SEAT Alhambra Mk2 (7N) (2010-2020) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 5,105 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 29,954 MOT tests on SEAT Alhambras first registered between 2010-2020. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.