2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 SEAT Leon MOT pass rate and common faults

8,715 MOT tests in 2024. 67.0% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time67.0%
Failed or needed repairs33.0%
Typical mileage at test105,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 8,715 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
    340 marked dangerous
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    401 marked dangerous
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.7%
  7. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.5%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.2%
    251 marked dangerous
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension16.4%
  2. Lights & electrics15.7%
  3. Brakes15.2%
  4. Tyres9.3%
  5. Body & chassis5.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm21.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.5%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak12.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.2%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.4%

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: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 SEAT Leon?

In 2024, 67.0% of 2012 SEAT Leon cars passed their MOT first time, across 8,715 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 SEAT Leon?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2012 SEAT Leon reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).