What Is Seat's MOT Pass Rate?
on 23 April 2026
Seat vehicles have an overall pass rate of 81.6% based on a total of 570,947 tests conducted between 2022 and 2024 according to DVSA anonymised MOT testing data. This places Seat above the national average pass rate of 79.6%, indicating that Seat vehicles tend to perform better in terms of passing their MOT compared to other makes.
Over the past three years, Seat's performance in MOT tests has fluctuated slightly but generally remained stable around an 81% pass rate. Specifically:
- In 2022: 82.0%
- In 2023: 81.4%
- In 2024: 81.6%
While there's a slight variation from year to year, the overall trend suggests that Seat vehicles maintain consistent performance levels in their MOT tests.
Which Seat Models Pass Their MOT Most Often?
Several Seat models stand out when it comes to passing their MOT tests:
- Arona: With an impressive 88.3% pass rate across 36,033 tests and averaging just over 34,000 miles per vehicle, the Arona is the best-performing model.
- Ateca: Achieving a high pass rate of 90.8%, this compact SUV has been tested 36,327 times with an average mileage of nearly 47,500 miles at test.
- Leon: Known for its reliability, the Leon passes its MOT tests in 82.4% of cases based on a total of 170,450 tests and averaging around 82,203 miles per vehicle.
some Seat models show lower pass rates:
- Ibiza: With a significantly lower pass rate at 76.7%, the Ibiza model has seen 199,376 tests with an average mileage of just over 70,458 miles.
- Exeo: The Exeo performs poorly, achieving only a 75.5% pass rate after 5,162 tests and averaging nearly 135,000 miles per vehicle.
These variations highlight the importance of regular maintenance for Seat vehicles to ensure they maintain high standards during MOT testing.
What Are the Most Common MOT Failures on Seat Vehicles?
Failure rates across various categories are consistent with national averages. Here's a breakdown:
- Lighting and Electrical Systems: This is the most common area of failure, accounting for 18.9% nationally.
- Suspension: Failing this category occurs in about 13.2% of cases.
- Brakes: Roughly 10.1% of tests fail due to brake-related issues.
- Tyres: Around 7.8% of MOT failures are attributed to tyre conditions.
To prepare for an upcoming MOT, motorists should ensure their Seat vehicle is in optimal condition by checking lights, tyres (including tread depth and wear), windscreen wipers, and screen wash levels before the test date. Addressing minor issues early can prevent them from becoming major problems during the MOT.
How to Save Money on Your Seat MOT
Reducing costs associated with maintaining your Seat vehicle involves several practical steps:
Pre-MOT Checklist for Seat Vehicles
- Lights: Check all exterior and interior lights are functioning correctly.
- Tyres: Ensure tyres have adequate tread depth and no visible damage or wear.
- Wipers and Washers: Confirm wiper blades aren't worn out and the washer reservoir is full.
The current average MOT cost, including a DVSA fixed fee of £54.85 (as per the latest data from DVSA anonymised MOT testing), can vary based on additional repair costs if any issues arise during the test that need immediate attention to pass.
Understanding Advisories vs Failures
Advisory notices are often issued for minor issues that don't prevent a vehicle from passing its MOT. Addressing these advisories promptly can help avoid more significant problems in future tests, thereby saving money on potential repairs.
If you believe your Seat was financed via PCP or HP and suspect mis-selling, you can check further at mlj.org.uk. This website offers resources to determine if you were a victim of unfair financial practices during vehicle financing.
According to the DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024), seat has a 81.6% mot pass rate based on 570,947 tests
Sources
- DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024)
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