Seat Alhambra reliability
The Seat Alhambra fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 21.9% of 16,206 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
13 DVSA recalls for the Seat Alhambra
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.
Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Issue: The front airbag in your SEAT vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the SEAT Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm) to arrange your recall service. Mobility assistance is available if needed.
Fix: For important safety reasons it is necessary to replace the inflator or driver/passenger seat’s airbag module of your vehicle.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 2 vehicles
Drivers side front airbag
On affected vehicles a deterioration of the driver airbag propellant could occur. In the event of an accident and the activation of the driver airbag fragments of the generator housing could become detached and injure the vehicle occupants.
Fix: The driver side front airbag gas generator must be replaced in all affected vehicles.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 1,810 vehicles
Driver's side front airbag
On affected vehicles a deterioration of the driver airbag propellant could occur. In the event of an accident and the activation of the driver airbag fragments of the generator housing could become detached and injure the vehicle occupants.
Fix: The driver side front airbag gas generator must be replaced in all affected vehicles.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 2,568 vehicles
Front driver airbag replacement
In vehicles produced in a specific period with airbags from manufacturer Takata in the event of an accident with airbag activation the driver airbag gas generator housing may explode.�
Fix: Inspect the driver�s airbag and replace it if necessary.�
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 8 vehicles
A condenser may fail due to inadequate heat treatment in the airbag control unit
A condenser may fail because of inadequate heat treatment in the airbag control unit.
Fix: The Airbag Control Unit must be reprogrammed in all affected vehicles.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 1,634 vehicles
Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 1,943 vehicles
Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended
Due to a process deviation in the production front passenger airbag module the connection between detonator and generator may not be sufficient. This may cause the airbag not to deploy as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the front passenger air bag module with a correctly manufactured version.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 24 vehicles
Side airbag gas generator canister may fail
For certain vehicles manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may be damaged if a side airbag is deployed. If the airbag/s were deployed the gas generator could explode and dislodge small metal parts which could cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the dates of manufacture for the left and or right side airbags. Where a possibly affected airbag is found it will be replaced.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 35 vehicles
Twin-mass flywheel may fail and result in a vehicle fire
It has been advised that the twin-mass flywheel can become damaged because of poor internal installation. This can result in a failure of the twin-mass flywheel and under unfavourable circumstances a vehicle fire.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the twin-mass flywheel replaced.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 1,085 vehicles
Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break
It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 5,492 vehicles
Windscreen wiper motor may fail
The windscreen wiper motor may cease to work because of an electrical software fault.
Fix: Replace the windscreen wiper motor of all affected vehicles.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 437 vehicles
Potential failure of battery charging circuit
The power supply of the vehicle can be disrupted without warning (the alternator warning light does not illuminate) due to a break in the wiring loom at the alternator connector.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit new wiring loom.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 113 vehicles
Overheating of brake pads
The brake servo may not release fully allowing the brake pads to remain in contact with the brake discs. This could result in possible overheating and loss of braking efficiency.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of an additional pull off spring to the brake servo.
Recalled models: ALHAMBRA · 463 vehicles
Checking a Seat Alhambra 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.