2021 SEAT Arona: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 SEAT Arona?

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

• Brake discs2.7× usual
  SEAT Arona

  16.6% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  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.

• Brake pads2× usual
  SEAT Arona

  12.2% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Braking performance3.1× usual
  SEAT Arona

  2.2% All 2021 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2021 SEAT Arona MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  23% 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.

• Tyres
  21% 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.

• 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  2% 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.

Known faults on the 2021 SEAT Arona

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Front Assist faults

  All engines

  Some owners have had problems with the Front Assist emergency braking, from a faulty sensor or bad weather.

  At the viewing: Make sure no driver-aid warnings show.

  Source: Auto Express: used SEAT Arona (Mk1, 2017 on) review

• Dashboard rattle

  All engines

  A rattle from the passenger side of the dashboard is not unusual.

  At the viewing: Listen on a rough road.

  Source: Auto Express: used SEAT Arona (Mk1, 2017 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 SEAT Arona

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2021 SEAT Arona as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2021 SEAT Arona as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2021 SEAT Arona as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?