Alfa Romeo
147
3,480 MOT tests analysed. runs below the UK fleet average — here's where 147s pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.
That's 12.5 points below the UK fleet average across our 1,984 tracked models — buyers should expect more first-time fails than the typical UK car.
Pass
65.0%
Pass-after-fix
5.4%
Fail
28.6%
Avg miles
98,198
Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%
This model's production run straddles the January 2006 Euro 4 cutoff. Individual cars vary — check your registration plate on the government's ULEZ checker. Daily charges if driven in the zone: London £12.50 · Birmingham £8.00 .
The picture
147: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 3,111 MOT tests, the 147 returns 64.6% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is worn suspension bushes. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 97,406, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
ABI Insurance Group
Group 12–20
Below the fleet average — generally reasonable to insure. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.
Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →
12–20
out of 50
Top ten reasons for rejection.
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- 01
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
186 occurrences · 5.3% of tests
- 02
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
133 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 03
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
105 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 04
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
105 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 05
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
104 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 06
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
101 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 07
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
100 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 08
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
87 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 09
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
83 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 10
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
79 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£160–£480
If every one of this 147's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Build your own retest budget.
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Parts & supplies for this fix
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Recall history
9 UK recalls on record.
The 147 has 9 official UK vehicle recalls covering defect details, remedies, and affected build dates.
Buying or keeping a 147?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a 147 and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.