2014 SEAT Ibiza: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 SEAT Ibizas, from 19,024 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2014 SEAT Ibizas than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Shock absorbers2.9× usualSEAT Ibiza16.5% All 2014 cars5.7%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usualSEAT Ibiza17.8% All 2014 cars8.2%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Steering rack inner joints6.4× usualSEAT Ibiza9.6% All 2014 cars1.5%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Exhaust system2.2× usualSEAT Ibiza8% All 2014 cars3.6%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Braking performance2.1× usualSEAT Ibiza8.2% All 2014 cars4%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
By area
The share of 2014 SEAT Ibiza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension42% 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.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Brakes29% 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.
- Lights and electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering12% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Oil and fluid leaks9% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,452 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 7,527 | Tyres 30% |
| 2019 | 11,612 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 12,945 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 15,721 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 18,148 | Suspension 37% |
| 2015 | 17,775 | Suspension 40% |
| 2013 | 15,854 | Suspension 45% |
| 2012 | 12,799 | Suspension 46% |
| 2011 | 12,746 | Suspension 51% |
| 2010 | 9,447 | Suspension 53% |
| 2009 | 7,686 | Suspension 57% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 SEAT Ibizas registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score