2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 SEAT Arosa MOT pass rate and common faults

233 MOT tests in 2024. 57.9% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time57.9%
Failed or needed repairs42.1%
Typical mileage at test86,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 233 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.6%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.7%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.7%
  4. Position lamp: not working4.7%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.9%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.9%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics33.9%
  2. Brakes21.9%
  3. Suspension21.0%
  4. Body & chassis13.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.0%
  7. Steering4.7%
  8. Tyres3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.6%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases13.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2000 ArosaAll Arosa years2002 Arosa →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 SEAT Arosa?

In 2024, 57.9% of 2001 SEAT Arosa cars passed their MOT first time, across 233 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 SEAT Arosa?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; service brake imbalance: across an axle; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 SEAT Arosa reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).