Most Reliable Seat Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 544,899 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Seat models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
544,899 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Seat model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Seat ATECA
88.9% pass rate
Best Single Year
LEON 2014 Petrol
80.7% pass rate
Seat vs National Average
73.8% vs 71.5%
+2.2% above average
Proven Durability Champion
EXEO 2009
+7.6% at 13+ years
Seat has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 544,899 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Seat models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Seat model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Seat Compares to Rivals
Seat ranks #33 out of 75 manufacturers with a 73.8% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda | 76.7% | #28 | 764,629 |
| Kia | 73.9% | #32 | 886,213 |
| Seat | 73.8% | #33 | 544,899 |
| Hyundai | 73.3% | #34 | 858,542 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
The verdict: Skoda maintains a lead among competitors, while Seat sits at #33. However, newer Seat models significantly outperform this average.
Best Seat Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Seat's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATECA | 88.9% | +17.4% | 39,215 | 2016-2020 |
| ARONA | 86.0% | +14.5% | 38,466 | 2017-2021 |
| TARRACO | 85.5% | +14.0% | 6,255 | 2019-2020 |
| MII | 79.0% | +7.5% | 17,685 | 2012-2020 |
| LEON | 76.6% | +5.1% | 184,750 | 2001-2021 |
| ALHAMBRA | 74.5% | +3.0% | 28,313 | 2002-2020 |
| TOLEDO | 70.5% | -1.0% | 5,870 | 2005-2018 |
| IBIZA | 66.2% | -5.3% | 194,333 | 2001-2021 |
| EXEO | 65.8% | -5.8% | 5,169 | 2009-2013 |
| ALTEA | 58.8% | -12.7% | 16,589 | 2004-2015 |
Top performer
The ATECA dramatically outperforms other Seats with an 88.9% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Seat Models Age Best?
These Seat models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXEO | 2009 | Diesel | +7.6% | 13+ years | 64.9% |
| LEON | 2012 | Petrol | +7.2% | 11-12 years | 70.1% |
| LEON | 2009 | Petrol | +6.0% | 13+ years | 63.3% |
| LEON | 2010 | Petrol | +5.9% | 13+ years | 63.2% |
| EXEO | 2010 | Diesel | +5.7% | 13+ years | 63.0% |
| MII | 2012 | Petrol | +5.0% | 11-12 years | 67.8% |
| LEON | 2004 | Petrol | +4.3% | 13+ years | 61.6% |
| LEON | 2002 | Petrol | +4.3% | 13+ years | 61.6% |
| LEON | 2012 | Diesel | +3.9% | 11-12 years | 66.7% |
| LEON | 2003 | Petrol | +3.8% | 13+ years | 61.1% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Seat models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATECA | 2017 | Petrol | +6.6% | 5-6 years | 87.8% |
| ATECA | 2018 | Petrol | +6.3% | 5-6 years | 87.5% |
| ATECA | 2020 | Petrol | +5.3% | 3-4 years | 91.1% |
| ATECA | 2019 | Petrol | +4.7% | 3-4 years | 90.5% |
| ATECA | 2017 | Diesel | +4.4% | 5-6 years | 85.6% |
| ATECA | 2018 | Petrol | +4.0% | 3-4 years | 89.8% |
| MII | 2019 | Petrol | +3.9% | 3-4 years | 89.7% |
| MII | 2017 | Petrol | +3.6% | 5-6 years | 84.8% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Seat IBIZA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The IBIZA has 194,333 tests in our database with an overall 66.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 90.4% | -0.5% | 354 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 87.5% | -0.1% | 8,243 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.3% | +1.1% | 12,914 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 85.1% | -1.1% | 261 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 79.4% | -4.8% | 12,843 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 77.8% | -6.5% | 144 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 71.7% | -9.9% | 15,822 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 64.7% | -17.0% | 102 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 70.4% | -8.3% | 18,015 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 69.7% | -9.0% | 465 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 67.8% | -7.7% | 17,687 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 61.1% | -14.3% | 610 |
| ... | ||||
| 2013 | Diesel | 59.0% | -9.3% | 3,087 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 59.6% | -6.0% | 3,195 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 58.3% | -4.7% | 3,544 |
IBIZA verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 90.4% pass rate. Avoid the 2013 diesel (59.0%).
Avoid early IBIZA models
The 2013 diesel IBIZA has a 59.0% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Seat LEON: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The LEON has 184,750 tests in our database with an overall 76.6% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 91.8% | +0.9% | 219 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 88.1% | +0.4% | 990 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.0% | +0.4% | 11,054 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 80.7% | -7.0% | 1,380 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 85.3% | -0.9% | 16,187 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 77.9% | -8.3% | 3,198 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.2% | -0.0% | 16,712 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 81.7% | -2.6% | 4,487 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.3% | +1.6% | 12,324 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 81.3% | -0.4% | 5,949 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 83.3% | +4.6% | 9,293 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 80.4% | +1.8% | 6,656 |
| ... | ||||
| 2009 | Diesel | 59.8% | +0.8% | 3,588 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 58.1% | +0.7% | 3,173 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 59.1% | +2.1% | 3,265 |
LEON verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 91.8% pass rate. Avoid the 2009 diesel (59.8%).
Avoid early LEON models
The 2009 diesel LEON has a 59.8% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Seat ATECA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The ATECA has 39,215 tests in our database with an overall 88.9% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.9% | +3.2% | 6,748 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 87.0% | -0.7% | 884 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 90.5% | +4.3% | 7,546 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 89.3% | +3.1% | 3,441 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 89.1% | +4.9% | 6,162 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 87.4% | +3.2% | 2,868 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 87.8% | +6.2% | 6,465 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 85.6% | +3.9% | 3,211 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 87.3% | +8.7% | 740 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 86.9% | +8.2% | 1,150 |
ATECA verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves an excellent 90.9% pass rate.
Seat ARONA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The ARONA has 38,466 tests in our database with an overall 86.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 90.4% | -0.5% | 156 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 89.1% | +1.4% | 340 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.7% | +1.1% | 10,410 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.9% | +2.6% | 12,386 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 84.5% | -1.8% | 2,425 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 82.2% | -2.1% | 9,588 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 80.1% | -4.1% | 2,548 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 72.6% | -9.1% | 613 |
ARONA verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 90.4% pass rate.
Seat ALHAMBRA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The ALHAMBRA has 28,313 tests in our database with an overall 74.5% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.2% | +0.6% | 102 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 86.5% | -1.1% | 743 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 85.0% | -1.2% | 2,587 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 79.7% | -6.5% | 123 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 84.8% | +0.5% | 2,491 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 81.6% | -0.1% | 6,062 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 82.3% | +3.7% | 102 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 79.3% | +0.7% | 4,165 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 75.3% | -0.2% | 2,216 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 73.1% | +1.4% | 1,907 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 69.8% | +1.5% | 1,591 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 66.4% | +0.8% | 1,430 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Diesel | 57.5% | -3.0% | 386 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 50.7% | -8.3% | 367 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 46.4% | -11.0% | 543 |
ALHAMBRA verdict: Avoid the 2010 diesel (57.5%).
Avoid early ALHAMBRA models
The 2010 diesel ALHAMBRA has a 57.5% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Seat Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Seat's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 88.1% | +16.6% | 990 |
| Electric | 85.5% | +13.9% | 275 |
| Petrol | 75.0% | +3.4% | 366,233 |
| Diesel | 71.0% | -0.5% | 171,739 |
The hybrid advantage: Seat hybrids pass MOTs 13% more often than petrols and 17% more often than diesels.
Seat Models to Avoid
Not all Seats are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBIZA | 2015 | Diesel | 61.1% (-16.1% vs same-age) | 610 |
| ALHAMBRA | 2008 | Diesel | 46.4% (-13.5% vs same-age) | 543 |
| IBIZA | 2014 | Diesel | 61.0% (-13.3% vs same-age) | 1,172 |
| ALHAMBRA | 2007 | Diesel | 47.0% (-12.9% vs same-age) | 515 |
| IBIZA | 2017 | Petrol | 71.7% | 15,822 |
| IBIZA | 2008 | Diesel | 47.7% (-12.2% vs same-age) | 1,152 |
| IBIZA | 2013 | Diesel | 59.0% (-12.2% vs same-age) | 3,087 |
| ARONA | 2017 | Petrol | 72.6% | 613 |
| IBIZA | 2007 | Petrol | 48.0% (-11.9% vs same-age) | 4,023 |
| LEON | 2019 | Diesel | 77.6% | 3,096 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2007-2017 petrol/diesel IBIZAs, 2007-2008 diesel ALHAMBRAs are the models that drag down Seat's average. The ALHAMBRA 2008 performs 11% worse than the average car of the same age at 13+ years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Seats?
When Seats fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 44,054 |
| 2. Suspension | 43,157 |
| 3. Tyres | 37,843 |
| 4. Brakes | 34,776 |
| 5. Visibility | 25,417 |
| 6. Body, chassis, structure | 15,690 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 15,221 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Seat owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- EXEO 2009-2010: +7% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- LEON 2002-2012: +4% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Seat Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- ALHAMBRA 2007-2008: -11% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
- IBIZA 2003-2008: -9% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 544,899 tests on Seat vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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