2012 SEAT Exeo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 SEAT Exeo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 SEAT Exeo than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Flexible brake hoses9.3× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  11.1% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.2% of all 2012 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.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  13% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.2% of all 2012 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.

• Sub-frame1.9× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  6.4% All 2012 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes6.4× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  3.2% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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 joints2.4× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  4.7% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 SEAT Exeo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 SEAT Exeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  34% 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
  32% 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
  20% 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 mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 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 9.3× as often on the 2012 SEAT Exeo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2012 SEAT Exeo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 SEAT Exeo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?