Model reliability

Alfa Romeo Spider reliability

The Alfa Romeo Spider fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 30.5% of 3,581 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

30.5% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 3,581 MOT tests of Alfa Romeo Spiders this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 69% more oftenBrake performance9.8% vs 5.8%

Fails 2× as oftenSRS malfunction indicator lamp2% vs 0.9%Fix about £30

Advised 35% more oftenSprings8.5% vs 6.3%Fix about £150

Advised 30% more oftenExhaust system6.9% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Advised 33% more oftenBrake performance6.1% vs 4.6%

Advised 3× as oftenWheel bearings4.4% vs 1.7%

Safety recalls

4 DVSA recalls for the Alfa Romeo Spider

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2007/1747 Dec 2007Built 2007Brakes 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.

Fix: 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.

Recalled models: SPIDER · 687 vehicles

R/2007/09227 Jul 2007Built 2005–2007Possible loss of vehicle control

Oil may leak from the Power Take Off Unit which may cause the unit to seize and possible loss of vehicle control.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to apply sealant to the core plug and to fit a retaining clip.

Recalled models: SPIDER · 610 vehicles

R/1996/02612 Mar 1996Built 1995Security of seat belt

A number of the subject vehicles have been fitted with seat belts manufactured by TRW the attachment systems of which may not remain secure in an accident situation.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles check the date of production on the seat belt buckles and replace those within the critical batch.

Recalled models: SPIDER · 12 vehicles

R/1996/02012 Mar 1996Built 1995Rear brake hose may chafe suspension

When fully loaded the rear brake hoses may contact the anti roll-bar upper attachments and a plastic shield. This could damage the hoses and cause fluid loss with a consequent reduction in braking efficiency.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for rerouting of the rear brake hoses. Any hose found to be damaged will be replaced.

Recalled models: SPIDER · 12 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Alfa Romeo Spider before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Alfa Romeo Spider reliability

4 DVSA recalls for the Alfa Romeo Spider

Checking a Alfa Romeo Spider before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.