2011 SEAT Exeo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 SEAT Exeo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 SEAT Exeo than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Flexible brake hoses5.9× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  11.2% All 2011 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes13.7× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  9.6% All 2011 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.2× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  11% All 2011 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Track rod ends2.6× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  13.8% All 2011 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Engine warning light2.7× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  5.2% All 2011 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.9% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2011 SEAT Exeo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 SEAT Exeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Brakes
  36% 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 electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  13% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 SEAT Exeo

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

1. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2011 SEAT Exeo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 13.7× as often on the 2011 SEAT Exeo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2011 SEAT Exeo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?