Used car guide

2021 SEAT Ibiza: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 SEAT Ibizas, from 8,452 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

8,452MOT tests in 2025
87%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
7,500typical miles a year
1.5×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 SEAT Ibizas than on all cars registered in 2021.

  • Brake discs1.5× usual
    SEAT Ibiza
    10.9% All 2021 cars
    7.1%
    Rough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

By area

The share of 2021 SEAT Ibiza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    27% 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.

  • Brakes
    17% 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
    4% 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
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Suspension
    4% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    2% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20207,527Tyres 30%
201911,612Tyres 30%
201812,945Tyres 31%
201715,721Tyres 34%
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 2021 SEAT Ibizas registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score