2018 SEAT Leon: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 SEAT Leons, from 20,932 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 2018 SEAT Leons than on all cars registered in 2018.
- Shock absorbers8.4× usualSEAT Leon24.5% All 2018 cars2.9%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.
- Coil springs3.6× usualSEAT Leon6.1% All 2018 cars1.7%Rough price £120–£300
At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
By area
The share of 2018 SEAT Leon MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension30% 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.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes22% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics6% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6,867 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 17,767 | Tyres 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% |
| 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 2018 SEAT Leons registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score