Used car guide

2003 SEAT Alhambra: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 SEAT Alhambras, from 134 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 134 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

134MOT tests in 2025
48%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
6,500typical miles a year
4.1×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 SEAT Alhambras than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings4.1× usual
    SEAT Alhambra
    26.9% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.2%, against 3.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2003 SEAT Alhambra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    66% 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.

  • Brakes
    57% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    46% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Rust and bodywork
    31% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    21% 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.

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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2020812Tyres 31%
20192,553Tyres 30%
20182,513Tyres 30%
20175,926Tyres 31%
20164,112Tyres 32%
20152,118Suspension 37%
20141,798Suspension 41%
20131,495Suspension 47%
20121,341Suspension 52%
20111,149Suspension 53%
2010310Suspension 56%
2009281Suspension 65%
2008361Suspension 64%
2007309Suspension 70%
2006237Suspension 65%
2005196Suspension 70%
2004238Suspension 66%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 SEAT Alhambras registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score