SEAT Alhambra reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The SEAT Alhambra is a mpv / people carrier. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 111 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 202 of 442, and 25.6% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (4.5% of tests).
Ranked 202 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 4 of 20 people carriers
In 2024, 27,087 SEAT Alhambras aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 25.6% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the SEAT Alhambra is 10% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 16.6% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
25.6%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
16.6%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
12,100
Typical age at test: 7 years
SEAT Alhambra MOT failure rate by age
Most common SEAT Alhambra MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.5% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed3.8% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8% of tests
What the SEAT Alhambra fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 9.1% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Suspension | 8.8% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 7.1% | ▼ 34% less often |
| Brakes | 4.8% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.9% | About average |
| Visibility | 2.6% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.6% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.1% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 1.0% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | About average |
What MPG does the SEAT Alhambra do?
Official economy for the SEAT Alhambra ranges from 26.2 to 56.5mpg across the 62 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2020). A typical petrol version manages 39.2mpg and a typical diesel 49.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a SEAT Alhambra?
Any SEAT Alhambra first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A SEAT Alhambra registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSEAT Alhambra specs and running costs
Official figures for 62 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2020.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
26.2–56.5 mpg
CO2
130–259 g/km
Power
150–177 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alhambra S 2.0 TDI NR DSG-auto 150PS150 PS · A6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 177g | £200 |
| Alhambra S 2.0 TDI NR Ecomotive 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 167g | £200 |
| Alhambra SE 2.0 TDI NR DSG-auto 150PS150 PS · A6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 177g | £200 |
| Alhambra SE 2.0 TDI NR Ecomotive 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 167g | £200 |
| Alhambra SE L 2.0 TDI NR DSG-auto 150PS150 PS · A6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 178g | £200 |
| Alhambra SE L 2.0 TDI NR Ecomotive 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 168g | £200 |
| Alhambra XCELLENCE 2.0 TDI NR DSG-auto 150PS150 PS · A6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 180g | £200 |
| Alhambra XCELLENCE 2.0 TDI NR Ecomotive 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £200 |
| Alhambra XCELLENCE 2.0 TDI NR DSG-auto 177PS177 PS · A6 · listed 2020 | Diesel | 40.4 mpg | 182g | £200 |
| Alhambra S 1.4 TSI 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Petrol | 35.8 mpg | 180g | £200 |
| Alhambra SE 1.4 TSI 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 181g | £200 |
| Alhambra SE L 1.4 TSI 150PS150 PS · M6 · listed 2020 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 182g | £200 |
| Alhambra 2.0 CR TDI 150PS Ecomotive SM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 56.5 mpg | 130g | £200 |
| Alhambra 2.0 CR TDI 150PS Ecomotive SE, Style Advanced, XCELLENCEM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 132g | £200 |
| Alhambra 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG Stop-Start SD6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 136g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 62 versions.
What a SEAT Alhambra costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 39.2mpg…
- diesel, typical official 49.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a SEAT AlhambraBuying a used SEAT Alhambra?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the SEAT Alhambra with other people carriers
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other SEAT models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the SEAT Alhambra reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the SEAT Alhambra is 10% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 111 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the SEAT Alhambra?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 4.5% of tests.
›What MPG does the SEAT Alhambra do?
Official economy for the SEAT Alhambra ranges from 26.2 to 56.5mpg across the 62 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2020). A typical petrol version manages 39.2mpg and a typical diesel 49.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a SEAT Alhambra?
Any SEAT Alhambra first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A SEAT Alhambra registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £790 a year.
›How many SEAT Alhambras fail their MOT?
25.6% of SEAT Alhambras aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 16.6% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the SEAT Alhambra combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.