Comparison · small SUVs

Ford Puma vs SEAT Arona: which is more reliable?

The Ford Puma does better at the MOT, with a score of 105 against 100 for the SEAT Arona, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 102,902 real MOT tests in 2024.

Ford Puma

105Above average
MOT tests56,460

SEAT Arona

100About average
MOT tests46,442

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testFord PumaSEAT Arona
3–5 years
105Above average
101About average
6–9 years–
94Below average
10–14 years––
15+ years
101About average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearFord PumaSEAT Arona
202192.1%87.5%
202091.7%88.7%
201992.4%86.4%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaFord PumaSEAT Arona
Tyres3.25.2
Brakes2.35.9
Lights & electrics2.52.4
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.81.9
Steering0.12.7
Suspension1.20.7
Emissions & leaks0.90.7
Seat belts & airbags0.50.8

Ford Puma: top failures

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  2. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.8%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.6%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.4%

SEAT Arona: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively fluctuating0.9%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Ford Puma or the SEAT Arona?

The Ford Puma does better at the MOT, with a score of 105 against 100 for the SEAT Arona, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Ford Puma and SEAT Arona can be compared?

Both were tested for 3 registration years (2019–2021). The Ford Puma had the higher pass rate in 3 of them and the SEAT Arona in 0.

What fails most on each?

Ford Puma: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; headlamp aim: too high. SEAT Arona: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt.