Common problems by part
Alfa Romeo 147 steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 1,317 MOT tests · Updated
At 16 years, 3.0 in 100 MOT tests of the Alfa Romeo 147 failed on steering, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 1,317 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 39 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 3 ages from 15 to 17 years, 3,701 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Steering track rod end: ball joint play, 1.9 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
3.0 fails per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 16 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Alfa Romeo 147 steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 1,195 | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| 16 | 1,317 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
| 17 | 1,189 | 2.0 | 3.6 |
All first-use years of the Alfa Romeo 147 pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 16 years
Fails
- Steering track rod end: ball joint play: 1.9 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.9. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint has excessive play MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 2.8 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 3.0. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying an Alfa Romeo 147? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Play in steering rack inner joint(s).
Check one Alfa Romeo 147, not the average
The figures here describe Alfa Romeo 147 cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check an Alfa Romeo 147's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Alfa Romeo 147 problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 suspension problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 brakes problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 lights and electrics problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 body and structure problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 seat belts and airbags problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 tyres problems
- Alfa Romeo 147 road wheels problems
Steering on rival models
- BMW 1 Series steering problems: 0.9 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.0 for the Alfa Romeo 147 (56,969 MOT tests)
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class steering problems: 0.6 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.0 for the Alfa Romeo 147 (26,573 MOT tests)
- Renault Megane steering problems: 9.6 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.0 for the Alfa Romeo 147 (26,501 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Alfa Romeo 147 have more steering problems than other cars?
3.0 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 1,317 MOT tests).
How common are Alfa Romeo 147 steering problems?
3.0 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years failed on steering, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 1,317 MOT tests).
What is the most common Alfa Romeo 147 steering fail?
1.9 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years: Steering track rod end: ball joint play (25 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 3,701 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare