2012 SEAT Leon: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 SEAT Leons, from 8,102 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 2012 SEAT Leons than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Shock absorbers2.5× usualSEAT Leon16.2% All 2012 cars6.5%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.
- Anti-roll bar link joints3× usualSEAT Leon9.7% All 2012 cars3.2%Rough price £50–£150
At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Headlamp2× usualSEAT Leon9.5% All 2012 cars4.7%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Suspension arm2.8× usualSEAT Leon7.4% All 2012 cars2.6%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.
- Exhaust system1.8× usualSEAT Leon9.7% All 2012 cars5.5%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 4.1% here, against 10.1% of all 2012 cars. Track rod end: 0.9% here, against 4.9% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 SEAT Leon MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Tyres36% 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.
- Brakes30% 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 electrics27% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions10% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks8% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6,867 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 17,767 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 20,932 | Suspension 30% |
| 2017 | 18,073 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 15,594 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 16,759 | Suspension 32% |
| 2014 | 18,119 | Suspension 34% |
| 2013 | 11,069 | Suspension 37% |
| 2011 | 5,814 | Suspension 51% |
| 2010 | 5,027 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 SEAT Leons registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score