Does the Alfa Romeo 156 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Alfa Romeo 156 records 30.07 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 31.90 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−1.83, 95% interval −2.83 to −0.82). It ranks 384 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Alfa Romeo 156 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Alfa Romeo 156 is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 1,660 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 1,660 | 13.65 |
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 753 | 6.19 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 325 | 2.67 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 238 | 1.96 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 139 | 1.14 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 12,164 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Alfa Romeo 156 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
23.1% of Alfa Romeo 156 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 3,654 miles later (2,485 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,485 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Alfa Romeo 156 2002 · Alfa Romeo 156 2003 · Alfa Romeo 156 2004 · Alfa Romeo 156 2005 · Alfa Romeo 156 in the Netherlands · Alfa Romeo 156 by postcode area · Alfa Romeo 156 body, chassis and structure failures · Alfa Romeo 156 brakes failures · Alfa Romeo 156 vehicle identification failures · Alfa Romeo 156 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Alfa Romeo 156 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Alfa Romeo 156 road wheels failures · Alfa Romeo 156 seat belts and airbags failures · Alfa Romeo 156 steering failures · Alfa Romeo 156 tyres failures · Alfa Romeo 156 visibility failures