2015 SEAT MII: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2015 SEAT MIIs, from 2,685 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 2015 SEAT MIIs than on all cars registered in 2015.
- Braking performance2.3× usualSEAT MII7.4% All 2015 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Exhaust emissions (catalyst)5.2× usualSEAT MII3.1% All 2015 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.6% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Fuel cap23× usualSEAT MII2.3% All 2015 cars0.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Sidelights2.2× usualSEAT MII4.2% All 2015 cars1.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.6% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Steering rack inner joints2.3× usualSEAT MII2.3% All 2015 cars1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Brake pads: 4.7% here, against 10.2% of all 2015 cars. Coil springs: 1.4% here, against 5.4% of all 2015 cars.
By area
The share of 2015 SEAT MII MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Suspension16% 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.
- Lights and electrics13% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions5% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,081 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 1,299 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 1,276 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 1,467 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 2,242 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 3,072 | Tyres 28% |
| 2013 | 3,483 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 1,730 | Tyres 27% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2015 SEAT MIIs registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score