2011 SEAT Alhambra petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol SEAT Alhambra first registered in 2011 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 103 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 103 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2011 SEAT Alhambra petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 SEAT Alhambra petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension32% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres26% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes17% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Oil and fluid leaks11% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions7% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
Known faults on the 2011 SEAT Alhambra petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- DSG automatic
DSG gearbox problems (early cars)
Some early cars had problems with the DSG automatic gearbox.
At the viewing: Make sure it changes smoothly with no jerks or hesitation, and look for gearbox work in the paperwork.
- All engines
Air con and sat nav electrical faults
Most reported problems are electrical failures of the air con or sat nav.
At the viewing: Test the air con and the sat nav.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 SEAT Alhambra petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a SEAT Alhambra?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the SEAT Alhambra compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | 2,457 | Tyres 31% |
| 2019 | 7,906 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 7,520 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 17,866 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 12,499 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 6,472 | Tyres 36% |
| 2014 | 5,532 | Tyres 37% |
| 2013 | 4,604 | Suspension 40% |
| 2012 | 4,173 | Suspension 46% |
| 2010 | 1,042 | Suspension 54% |
| 2009 | 967 | Suspension 60% |
| 2008 | 1,374 | Suspension 61% |
| 2007 | 1,291 | Suspension 64% |
| 2006 | 1,064 | Suspension 62% |
| 2005 | 860 | Suspension 65% |
| 2004 | 1,069 | Suspension 65% |
| 2003 | 654 | Suspension 65% |
| 2002 | 260 | Suspension 64% |
| 2001 | 114 | Suspension 56% |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | – | Too few tests |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of SEAT Alhambra cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score