2016 SEAT Leon: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 SEAT Leons, from 15,594 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 2016 SEAT Leons than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Shock absorbers4.8× usualSEAT Leon20.7% All 2016 cars4.3%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.
- Braking performance1.9× usualSEAT Leon4.8% All 2016 cars2.5%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.7% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 SEAT Leon MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Suspension28% 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.
- Brakes24% 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 electrics7% 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 mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks4% 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% |
| 2015 | 16,759 | Suspension 32% |
| 2014 | 18,119 | Suspension 34% |
| 2013 | 11,069 | Suspension 37% |
| 2012 | 8,102 | Suspension 46% |
| 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 2016 SEAT Leons registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score