Most Reliable Alfa Romeo Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 72,099 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Alfa Romeo models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
72,099 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Alfa Romeo model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Alfa Romeo STELVIO
88.5% pass rate
Best Single Year
STELVIO 2018 Diesel
88.8% pass rate
Alfa Romeo vs National Average
67.2% vs 71.5%
-4.3% below average
Proven Durability Champion
MITO 2010
+1.4% at 13+ years
Alfa Romeo has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 72,099 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Alfa Romeo models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Alfa Romeo model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Alfa Romeo Compares to Rivals
Alfa Romeo ranks #55 out of 75 manufacturers with a 67.2% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Alfa Romeo | 67.2% | #55 | 72,099 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Alfa Romeo sits at #55. However, newer Alfa Romeo models significantly outperform this average.
Best Alfa Romeo Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Alfa Romeo's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STELVIO | 88.5% | +17.0% | 2,747 | 2017-2020 |
| GIULIA | 85.0% | +13.5% | 5,917 | 2016-2020 |
| SPIDER | 70.6% | -0.9% | 1,696 | 2000-2009 |
| GIULIETTA | 68.7% | -2.8% | 26,481 | 2010-2020 |
| BRERA | 63.7% | -7.8% | 1,853 | 2006-2009 |
| GTV | 62.2% | -9.3% | 513 | 2000-2002 |
| MITO | 61.7% | -9.8% | 20,448 | 2009-2018 |
| 156 | 59.0% | -12.5% | 1,045 | 2000-2005 |
| 159 | 56.3% | -15.2% | 4,059 | 2006-2011 |
| 147 | 55.5% | -16.1% | 1,973 | 2002-2009 |
Top performer
The STELVIO dramatically outperforms other Alfa Romeos with an 88.5% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Alfa Romeo Models Age Best?
These Alfa Romeo models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MITO | 2010 | Petrol | +1.4% | 13+ years | 58.7% |
| GIULIETTA | 2011 | Petrol | +0.8% | 11-12 years | 63.6% |
| MITO | 2012 | Petrol | +0.2% | 11-12 years | 63.0% |
| GIULIETTA | 2012 | Petrol | +0.1% | 11-12 years | 62.9% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Alfa Romeo models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIULIA | 2019 | Petrol | +2.2% | 3-4 years | 88.0% |
| GIULIA | 2017 | Petrol | +1.7% | 5-6 years | 82.9% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Alfa Romeo GIULIETTA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The GIULIETTA has 26,481 tests in our database with an overall 68.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 86.9% | -0.8% | 168 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 83.6% | -4.1% | 317 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.8% | +1.6% | 303 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 85.7% | -0.5% | 217 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.5% | +0.2% | 657 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 83.2% | -1.0% | 185 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.4% | +2.7% | 917 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 78.5% | -3.2% | 614 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 79.5% | +0.9% | 1,641 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 73.3% | -5.3% | 1,173 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 76.9% | +1.4% | 1,720 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 69.3% | -6.2% | 1,315 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 56.6% | -6.4% | 3,618 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 56.2% | -4.3% | 911 |
GIULIETTA verdict: Avoid the 2011 diesel (56.6%).
Avoid early GIULIETTA models
The 2011 diesel GIULIETTA has a 56.6% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Alfa Romeo MITO: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The MITO has 20,448 tests in our database with an overall 61.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Petrol | 75.2% | -9.0% | 367 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 73.1% | -8.6% | 624 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 71.9% | -6.8% | 1,432 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 65.0% | -10.5% | 1,361 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 58.7% | -16.8% | 235 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 64.9% | -6.8% | 1,303 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 60.5% | -11.3% | 440 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 63.9% | -4.4% | 1,364 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 59.9% | -8.4% | 369 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 63.6% | -2.0% | 1,821 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 59.4% | -6.3% | 571 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 61.1% | -1.9% | 2,533 |
| ... | ||||
| 2015 | Diesel | 58.7% | -16.8% | 235 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 59.9% | -8.4% | 369 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 59.4% | -6.3% | 571 |
MITO verdict: Avoid the 2015 diesel (58.7%).
Avoid early MITO models
The 2015 diesel MITO has a 58.7% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Alfa Romeo Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Alfa Romeo's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 69.2% | -2.3% | 44,165 |
| Diesel | 63.3% | -8.2% | 24,448 |
Alfa Romeo Models to Avoid
Not all Alfa Romeos are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MITO | 2015 | Petrol | 65.0% (-12.2% vs same-age) | 1,361 |
| MITO | 2017 | Petrol | 73.1% (-9.1% vs same-age) | 624 |
| MITO | 2016 | Petrol | 71.9% (-7.9% vs same-age) | 1,432 |
| MITO | 2014 | Petrol | 64.9% (-9.7% vs same-age) | 1,303 |
| GIULIETTA | 2011 | Diesel | 56.6% (-10.0% vs same-age) | 3,618 |
| MITO | 2012 | Diesel | 59.4% (-9.6% vs same-age) | 571 |
| GIULIETTA | 2015 | Diesel | 69.3% (-8.0% vs same-age) | 1,315 |
| GIULIETTA | 2016 | Diesel | 73.3% | 1,173 |
| GIULIETTA | 2014 | Diesel | 66.6% (-7.9% vs same-age) | 1,427 |
| GIULIETTA | 2012 | Diesel | 61.0% (-7.8% vs same-age) | 2,045 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2012-2017 petrol/diesel MITOs, 2011-2016 diesel GIULIETTAs are the models that drag down Alfa Romeo's average. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Alfa Romeos?
When Alfa Romeos fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Suspension | 8,174 |
| 2. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 7,753 |
| 3. Brakes | 5,748 |
| 4. Tyres | 5,475 |
| 5. Visibility | 3,342 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 3,170 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 2,613 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Alfa Romeo owners:
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- STELVIO 2019 Petrol: 89% pass rate
- GIULIA 2019 Petrol: 88% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- Limited proven durability data available
Alfa Romeo Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- GIULIETTA 2010-2012: -4% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 72,099 tests on Alfa Romeo vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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