SEAT Leon

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 22 model years from 315,197 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

81%

Total Tests

315,197

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (90%)

Years Covered

About the SEAT Leon

The SEAT Leon was MOT tested 315,197 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 22 model years (2000 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 81%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 90% from 13,840 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. With a 16 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Leons pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2000) averages 108,063 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 29,531 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the SEAT brand average of 85%, the Leon is 4 points lower, placing it among the less reliable SEAT models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1984cc)

£1,634

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,239

Per month£187/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the SEAT Leon?

vs average of all models-1% (82% avg)

vs SEAT brand average-4% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread16 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

SEAT Leon by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	85%	184	29,531 mi
2020	90%	13,840	38,299 mi
2019	88%	33,662	45,808 mi
2018	88%	37,787	53,378 mi
2017	88%	32,092	63,602 mi
2016	87%	28,078	72,877 mi
2015	86%	30,311	83,849 mi
2014	85%	33,359	93,735 mi
2013	83%	21,374	100,080 mi
2012	79%	16,909	108,558 mi
2011	78%	12,613	114,006 mi
2010	77%	11,322	120,467 mi
2009	77%	9,868	119,895 mi
2008	76%	9,717	124,433 mi
2007	75%	8,629	129,414 mi
2006	74%	5,613	129,640 mi
2005	76%	3,477	130,247 mi
2004	77%	2,724	136,378 mi
2003	76%	2,090	129,241 mi
2002	76%	1,025	126,696 mi
2001	75%	431	128,387 mi
2000	76%	92	108,063 mi

Questions about the SEAT Leon

Is the SEAT Leon reliable?

Across its 22 model years in our data (2000 to 2021), the SEAT Leon averages an 81% MOT pass rate, from 315,197 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 90%.

Which year SEAT Leon has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 SEAT Leon has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%, a 16 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.