2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 SEAT Arosa MOT pass rate and common faults

568 MOT tests in 2024. 58.3% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time58.3%
Failed or needed repairs41.7%
Typical mileage at test73,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 568 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.7%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.1%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.9%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.4%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.4%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.9%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.9%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.0%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.0%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.9%
  2. Brakes19.0%
  3. Suspension17.1%
  4. Body & chassis15.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks13.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.3%
  7. Tyres7.7%
  8. Steering4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.4%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases14.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.7%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2003 ArosaAll Arosa years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 SEAT Arosa?

In 2024, 58.3% of 2004 SEAT Arosa cars passed their MOT first time, across 568 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 SEAT Arosa?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 SEAT Arosa reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).