2023 SEAT Ateca: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 SEAT Atecas, from 443 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 443 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2023 SEAT Atecas than on all cars registered in 2023.
- Brake pads4× usualSEAT Ateca9.7% All 2023 cars2.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.5% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Shock absorbers7× usualSEAT Ateca7.7% All 2023 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
By area
The share of 2023 SEAT Ateca MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres16% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes11% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension8% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- DSG gearbox wearDSG automatic
Jerky or refused changes can mean a worn clutch, a failed mechatronic unit or tired bearings. The DSG needs an oil service every 40,000 miles.
At the viewing: Drive in slow traffic and feel for jerky or slow changes.
- Kangarooing from cold (1.5 TSI)1.5 TSI petrol
The 1.5 TSI can hesitate and jerk at low speed when cold. A 2020 software update addressed it.
At the viewing: Drive it from cold.
- Particulate filter (diesel)Diesel
The 1.6 and 2.0 TDI’s particulate filter clogs on mostly short trips.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a warning light.
- Water leaks and electric tailgateAll engines
Door, boot and sunroof seals can leak, and the electric tailgate actuator is prone to failure.
At the viewing: Feel the carpets and roof lining for damp, and try the tailgate button.
- Eleven recallsAll engines
Recalls covered things like loose engine covers and cracked seat bases.
At the viewing: Ask a SEAT dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Haldex four-wheel drive4Drive models
The Haldex rear differential needs servicing.
At the viewing: Listen for grinding and check for warning lights.
Looking at a SEAT Ateca?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5,283 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 7,485 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 7,846 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 10,793 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 8,919 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 9,506 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 1,884 | Tyres 28% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 SEAT Atecas registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score