Used car guide

2002 SEAT Ibiza: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 SEAT Ibizas, from 221 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 221 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

221MOT tests in 2025
55%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
3,500typical miles a year
45%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2002 SEAT Ibiza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    45% 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.

  • Tyres
    34% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    32% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    31% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    25% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    18% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023551Tyres 17%
20225,272Tyres 22%
20218,480Tyres 27%
20208,141Tyres 30%
201913,061Tyres 31%
201812,948Tyres 31%
201715,723Tyres 34%
201618,149Suspension 37%
201517,778Suspension 40%
201419,025Suspension 42%
201315,857Suspension 45%
201212,805Suspension 46%
201112,757Suspension 51%
20109,450Suspension 53%
20097,686Suspension 57%
20084,465Suspension 52%
20073,003Suspension 51%
20062,043Suspension 47%
20051,107Suspension 51%
2004888Suspension 44%
2003641Suspension 46%
2001120Suspension 41%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 SEAT Ibizas registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score