2010 Alfa Romeo 159 MOT pass rate: 61.4% (1,964 tests)
Is the 2010 159 getting worse?
Pass rate of 2010-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 63.2% -4.9 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 59.9% -7.1 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 60.8% -6.1 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2010 159
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 538 | 24.7% |
| 2 | Brakes | 478 | 21.9% |
| 3 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 384 | 17.6% |
| 4 | Tyres | 249 | 11.4% |
| 5 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 196 | 9.0% |
| 6 | Body, chassis, structure | 129 | 5.9% |
All 159 years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1,955 | 60.5% | -4.6 pts | 115,890 |
| 2008 | 1,978 | 59.5% | -5.7 pts | 124,640 |
| 2009 | 2,189 | 62.1% | -4.3 pts | 118,817 |
| 2010 (this page) | 1,964 | 61.4% | -6.0 pts | 116,530 |
- Free MOT history checkThe exact car’s failures, advisories and mileage trail — sellers can’t edit it
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- XTOOL diagnostic toolsXTOOL code readers for petrol and diesel cars
- Autel UK testersAutel professional-grade diagnostic testers
FAQs
Is a 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 reliable?
2010-registered examples passed 61.4% of their MOT tests (1,964 tests, 2023–2025), -6.0 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 16 years old with a median 116,530 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2010 159?
The median tested example shows 116,530 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Should I buy the petrol or diesel 2010 159?
In this cohort petrols pass 65.2% of tests against 59.9% for diesels. Mileage and use can explain part of that gap, so treat it as a reason to inspect DPF and emissions history, not a fuel-type verdict.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.