Which SEAT models fail their MOT most
23.4% of SEAT cars fail first time, against 24.5% across every make. That is 1.1 points better than average, measured over 455,749 DVSA tests on 11 models.
Every SEAT in the data
Sorted by how many tests each one contributes, so the models most people actually buy come first. A linked row has a page of its own.
| Model | Years | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibiza | 2014–2017 | 72,844 | 31.4% |
| Leon | 2014–2017 | 70,726 | 19.1% |
| Ibiza | 2010–2013 | 57,723 | 39.2% |
| Leon | 2018–2021 | 46,866 | 15.8% |
| Arona | 2018–2021 | 37,984 | 13.7% |
| Leon | 2010–2013 | 34,533 | 31.3% |
| Ibiza | 2018–2021 | 32,954 | 15.7% |
| Ateca | 2018–2021 | 25,566 | 10.2% |
| Alhambra | 2014–2017 | 14,598 | 21% |
| Ateca | 2014–2017 | 11,606 | 12.9% |
| Mii | 2014–2017 | 9,541 | 20.1% |
| Tarraco | 2018–2021 | 6,324 | 14.4% |
| Alhambra | 2018–2021 | 6,144 | 15% |
| Altea | 2010–2013 | 5,556 | 35.8% |
| Mii | 2010–2013 | 5,345 | 26.8% |
| Alhambra | 2010–2013 | 4,732 | 33.6% |
| Exeo | 2010–2013 | 4,591 | 33.7% |
| Toledo | 2014–2017 | 3,234 | 27.8% |
| Mii | 2018–2021 | 2,590 | 12.5% |
| Leon Fr Black Edition Tsi Evo | 2018–2021 | 2,292 | 13.7% |
How a SEAT ages
The same manufacturer at three ages. Every make gets worse with age; what differs is how steeply, and that is the part worth knowing before you choose between a cheaper older one and a dearer newer one.
2018–2021
14.2%
160,720 tests
2014–2017
24%
182,549 tests
2010–2013
35.6%
112,480 tests
Best and worst in the range
Least likely to fail
- 10.2% Ateca 2018–2021
- 12.9% Ateca 2014–2017
- 13.7% Arona 2018–2021
Most likely to fail
- 39.2% Ibiza 2010–2013
- 35.8% Altea 2010–2013
- 31.4% Ibiza 2014–2017
Cohorts with at least 5,000 tests only, so a rare model cannot top either list on thin evidence.
What actually fails on a SEAT
Pooled across the whole range and weighted by test count. One model's worst fault is a fact about that model; the same fault across the range is a fact about the make.
- 2.6% Tyres tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
- 1.8% Coil spring fractured or broken
- 1.6% Brake linings and pads less than 1.5 mm thick
- 1.5% Suspension arms pin or bush excessively worn
- 1.4% Suspension has a serious fluid leak
- 0.9% Tyres has ply or cords exposed
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Check the actual SEAT you're looking at
This page is the make. Type the registration and you get that car's own MOT history, its mileage record, its tax status and the questions to ask the seller before you travel.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023. Class 4 standard tests only. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. SEAT and its marks are the property of their owner and are used here to identify the manufacturer this page is about.