Seat common problems and MOT failures
From 906,894 MOT tests in 2024, 16.3% of Seat vehicles failed. Below are the most common reasons, ranked by how often they occur.
Top Seat MOT failure reasons
| # | Problem | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | suspension pin, bush or joint worn | 23,318 |
| 2 | tyre tread depth outside legal limits | 21,315 |
| 3 | tyre seriously damaged | 16,919 |
| 4 | spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 12,467 |
| 5 | brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 12,324 |
| 6 | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits the requirements | 12,294 |
| 7 | shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 11,037 |
| 8 | suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 10,965 |
| 9 | tyre cords visible or damaged | 10,456 |
| 10 | windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 10,082 |
What this means if you're buying a Seat
The single most common MOT failure for Seat is suspension pin, bush or joint worn, accounting for 17% of all failure items. Suspension repairs typically cost £150–£400 depending on the component.
These figures are from real MOT inspections — they show what testers actually find wrong with Seat vehicles. If you're viewing a used Seat, it's worth checking these areas specifically.
Seat models by MOT pass rate
Lowest pass rates first — these models have the most testable issues.
Buying a specific Seat? Check the individual vehicle's MOT history for free on GOV.UK to see its actual test results, advisories, and mileage readings.
Check MOT history on GOV.UK