SEAT Common MOT Problems (2026)
SEAT models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 1,035,153 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average SEAT MOT pass rate: 85%
Check Your SEAT's MOT History
See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
85%
Avg pass rate
15%
Avg fail rate
93
Models tested
SEAT Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SEAT Altea XL | 26% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear | |
| 2 | SEAT Altea | 25% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear | |
| 3 | SEAT Arosa | 25% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 4 | SEAT Exeo | 22% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear | |
| 5 | SEAT Ibiza | 21% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear |
Most Reliable SEAT Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SEAT Ateca Xperience TSI Evo S-A | 94% | |
| 2 | SEAT Leon FR Etsi S-A | 94% | |
| 3 | SEAT Ateca FR Sport TSI Evo S-A | 94% | |
| 4 | SEAT Leon FR TSI Evo | 93% | |
| 5 | SEAT Arona Xcellence Lux Ecotsi S-A | 93% |
All SEAT Models by Fail Rate
Every SEAT model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alhambra | 2003 | 63% | 35% | |
| Alhambra | 2007 | 64% | 33% | |
| Alhambra | 2004 | 65% | 33% | |
| Alhambra | 2006 | 66% | 33% | |
| Altea | 2004 | 66% | 33% | |
| Alhambra | 2008 | 67% | 32% | |
| Alhambra | 2009 | 66% | 32% | |
| Toledo | 2005 | 66% | 32% | |
| Altea XL | 2007 | 68% | 32% | |
| Toledo | 2006 | 67% | 32% | |
| Ibiza | 2003 | 68% | 31% | |
| Altea XL | 2008 | 69% | 31% | |
| Ibiza | 2007 | 69% | 30% | |
| Ibiza | 2005 | 69% | 30% | |
| Altea | 2005 | 68% | 30% | |
| Alhambra | 2005 | 67% | 30% | |
| Ibiza | 2008 | 70% | 29% | |
| Ibiza | 2006 | 70% | 29% | |
| Ibiza | 2004 | 70% | 29% | |
| Ibiza | 2002 | 70% | 29% | |
| Ibiza | 2009 | 72% | 28% | |
| Altea | 2008 | 71% | 28% | |
| Altea | 2006 | 70% | 28% | |
| Altea | 2007 | 72% | 27% | |
| Altea | 2009 | 73% | 27% | |
| Alhambra | 2010 | 73% | 27% | |
| Ibiza | 2010 | 73% | 26% | |
| Altea | 2010 | 74% | 26% | |
| Ibiza | 2011 | 74% | 25% | |
| Leon | 2006 | 74% | 25% | |
| Arosa | 2004 | 74% | 25% | |
| Leon | 2001 | 75% | 25% | |
| Arosa | 2001 | 74% | 25% | |
| Ibiza | 2012 | 76% | 24% | |
| Leon | 2007 | 75% | 24% | |
| Alhambra | 2012 | 76% | 24% | |
| Altea | 2011 | 75% | 24% | |
| Toledo | 2013 | 75% | 24% | |
| Leon | 2002 | 76% | 24% | |
| Arosa | 2003 | 75% | 24% | |
| Arosa | 2002 | 75% | 24% | |
| Ibiza | 1999 | 72% | 24% | |
| Ibiza | 2013 | 76% | 23% | |
| Leon | 2010 | 77% | 23% | |
| Leon | 2009 | 77% | 23% | |
| Leon | 2008 | 76% | 23% | |
| Leon | 2005 | 76% | 23% | |
| Exeo | 2011 | 76% | 23% | |
| Alhambra | 2011 | 77% | 23% | |
| Leon | 2003 | 76% | 23% |
Showing top 50 of 168 model/year combinations. View all SEAT models
SEAT MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on SEAT cars?
The most common MOT problems on SEAT cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older SEAT diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the SEAT models with at least 1,000 tests, the SEAT Altea XL has the highest average fail rate at 26%.
Which SEAT model is the most reliable?
In our data, the SEAT Ateca Xperience TSI Evo S-A has the best MOT record of the SEAT models with at least 1,000 tests: 94% of its 1,852 MOT tests ended in a pass and 6% in a fail. The SEAT Ateca FR Sport TSI Evo S-A and the SEAT Leon FR Etsi S-A are level on 94%. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for SEAT?
The average MOT pass rate for SEAT is 85%, based on 1,035,153 MOT tests across 93 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 15% of MOT tests on SEAT cars ended in a fail.
SEAT Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each SEAT model
Check a Specific SEAT
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.