Used buying checklist
Alfa Romeo 147 reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Alfa Romeo 147 looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 28.7% of 3,111 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 28.7% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 95,192 miles
- 892 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (54.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength, corroded and seriously weakened, and corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- excessively corroded
- ball joint excessively worn
- ball joint likely to become detached
- across an axle
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
- leaking excessively from engine
- has a major leak of exhaust gases
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
The model's recorded failure rate is 28.7%, +10.0 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed3,111 tests
- Median tested mileage95,192 miles
- Failed MOT tests892
Should you buy a used Alfa Romeo 147?
71.3% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 28.7%, +10.0 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (54.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 147, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
The MOT failure rate rises from 27.5% at 10-15 years to 29.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
-
Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (54.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
-
Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (28.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
-
Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (25.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
-
Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (15.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
-
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (10.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
-
Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 147, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (54.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Alfa Romeo 147 mainly involve 6 areas: brakes, tyres and wheels, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 147, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 254 | 209 | 17.7%+6.9 percentage points vs all models | 40,876 miles |
| 50-100k | 1,451 | 1,080 | 26.5%+5.8 percentage points vs all models | 79,274 miles |
| 100-150k | 1,128 | 795 | 33.1%+6.9 percentage points vs all models | 117,524 miles |
| 150-200k | 221 | 148 | 36.6%+9.4 percentage points vs all models | 163,020 miles |
| 200k+ | 25 | 17 | 32.0%+5.4 percentage points vs all models | 214,365 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Alfa Romeo 147, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
|
|
| 50-100k |
|
|
| 100-150k |
|
|
| 150-200k |
|
|
| 200k+ |
|
|
Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 27.5% at 10-15 years to 29.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 29.0% for 15+ years cars, based on 2,521 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
590 | 434 | 27.5%+3.9 percentage points vs all models | 14.5 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
2,521 | 1,807 | 29.0%+3.1 percentage points vs all models | 17.5 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2010-03-26 | TYRE SIDEWALL MAY CRACK It has been identified that Pirelli tyre type 215/40 ZR18 89W PZERO NERO annotated MO and F223 may suffer cracking of the sidewall. This can lead to loss of inflation pressure and under certain conditions can have an adverse effect on the safe handling of the vehicle. Recalled vehicles will have the subject tyres replaced. |
|---|---|
| 2007-12-07 | BRAKES MAY FAIL Due to the possibility of a fault in the production process the flexible rubber brake hoses may not have been correctly vulcanised. As a consequence may partially or totally restrict the internal flow of the brake hydraulic fluid. Should this happen a reduction in efficiency during braking would occur. Recalled vehicles will have the hoses checked to identify if they are within the affected batch. If this is the case they will be replaced with quality assured items. |
| 2007-08-10 | POSSIBILITY OF FIRE There is a possibility that the fuel hose from the diesel filter to the high pressure pump may chafe on the fuel filter housing. In time this could result in a fuel leak and the possibility of an engine compartment fire. Recalled vehicles will have the routing of the hose checked at which time if the hose is not damaged a new bracket will be fitted to prevent chafing. If the hose is damaged it will be replaced in addition a new bracket will be fitted. |
| 2006-10-17 | CLUTCH MAY FAIL On a number of RHD ALfa Romeo 147 and GT models there is a possibility that the clip which secures the connecting pin between the clutch cylinder and the clutch pedal may become detached resulting in loss of clutch operation. Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a redesigned retaining clip. |
| 2006-09-19 | BRAKING EFFICIENCY MAY REDUCE The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system does not operate properly when the space saver spare wheel is fitted. This could lead to the VDC warning lamp operating and may lead to reduced braking efficiency if the brakes are vigorously applied. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new VDC electronic control unit that has upgraded software installed. |
| 2005-05-23 | POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK A fuel leak may result due to cracking of the recirculation pipe flange on the fuel tank when the tank is filled to the maximum. Recalled vehicles will have the fuel tank inspected for cracks and replaced if necessary. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Alfa Romeo 147. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Alfa Romeo reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.