2016 · 8 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2016 SEAT Leon MOT pass rate and common faults

15,086 MOT tests in 2024. 81.1% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time81.1%
Failed or needed repairs18.9%
Typical mileage at test68,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 15,086 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
    488 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    579 marked dangerous
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.9%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    253 marked dangerous
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.8%
    151 marked dangerous
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.5%
  2. Brakes5.4%
  3. Suspension4.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  5. Lights & electrics3.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.8%
  7. Body & chassis0.6%
  8. Wheels0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak17.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.9%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.2%

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 2016 SEAT Leon?

In 2024, 81.1% of 2016 SEAT Leon cars passed their MOT first time, across 15,086 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 SEAT Leon?

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

Is the 2016 SEAT Leon reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).