2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 SEAT Ateca MOT pass rate and common faults

7,800 MOT tests in 2024. 88.7% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time88.7%
Failed or needed repairs11.3%
Typical mileage at test24,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 7,800 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    344 marked dangerous
  2. Headlamp aim: too high1.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    118 marked dangerous
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.6%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.6%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.3%
    38 marked dangerous
  9. Seat belts - condition: buckle not functioning as intended0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres4.9%
  2. Lights & electrics3.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.0%
  4. Brakes1.6%
  5. Suspension1.0%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.3%
  8. Body & chassis0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.9%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak8.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.3%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt4.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 AtecaAll Ateca years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 SEAT Ateca?

In 2024, 88.7% of 2021 SEAT Ateca cars passed their MOT first time, across 7,800 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 SEAT Ateca?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; headlamp aim: too high; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 SEAT Ateca reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).