Used car guide

2017 SEAT Ibiza: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 SEAT Ibizas, from 15,721 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

15,721MOT tests in 2025
71%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
7,100typical miles a year
4×the usual rate for shock absorbers

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 SEAT Ibizas than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Shock absorbers4× usual
    SEAT Ibiza
    14.9% All 2017 cars
    3.7%
    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 joints2.6× usual
    SEAT Ibiza
    12.4% All 2017 cars
    4.8%
    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.

  • Track rod end4× usual
    SEAT Ibiza
    8% All 2017 cars
    2%
    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.

  • Washers2.1× usual
    SEAT Ibiza
    3.4% All 2017 cars
    1.6%
    Rough price £15–£60

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Headlamp aim1.8× usual
    SEAT Ibiza
    3.4% All 2017 cars
    1.9%
    Rough price £20–£60

    At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

By area

The share of 2017 SEAT Ibiza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • 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.

  • Suspension
    34% 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.

  • Brakes
    24% 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 electrics
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    2% 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.

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
20218,452Tyres 27%
20207,527Tyres 30%
201911,612Tyres 30%
201812,945Tyres 31%
201618,148Suspension 37%
201517,775Suspension 40%
201419,024Suspension 42%
201315,854Suspension 45%
201212,799Suspension 46%
201112,746Suspension 51%
20109,447Suspension 53%
20097,686Suspension 57%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 SEAT Ibizas registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score