Used car guide · 2017–2024

SEAT Ibiza Mk5: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the SEAT Ibiza Mk5 did at the MOTs done during 2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 64,176 MOT tests.

2020best year: 86% pass first time, 0 points above all 2020 cars
2018weakest year: 72% pass first time, 9 points below all 2018 cars
Track rod endsthe weak spot that shows up in 3 different years

Which SEAT Ibiza Mk5 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the SEAT Ibiza Mk5, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

60%80%100%2017: 71% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%) 71% 2017*2018: 72% pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%) 72% 20182019: 82% pass first time (all 2019 cars: 84%) 82% 20192020: 86% pass first time (all 2020 cars: 86%) 86% 20202021: 87% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) 87% 20212022: 88% pass first time (all 2022 cars: 89%) 88% 20222023: 88% pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%) 88% 2023
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
2017*71%78% -7Shock absorbers 4× usual15,723
201872%81% -9Track rod ends 11.8× usual12,948
201982%84% -2Track rod ends 6.3× usual13,061
202086%86% +0Track rod ends 6× usual8,141
202187%87% +0Nothing unusual8,480
202288%89% -1Nothing unusual5,272
202388%92% -4Nothing unusual551

Common SEAT Ibiza Mk5 MOT failures, year after year

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Track rod endsup to 11.8× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2020, 2019, 2018.

    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.

  • Washersup to 1.9× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2019, 2018.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

What usually goes wrong with the SEAT Ibiza Mk5?

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Seatbelt and handbrake recalls (built May 2017 to Nov 2018)

    The left rear seatbelt buckle could release in hard cornering with three in the back, and the handbrake adjusting nut could work loose so the car could roll.

    Check: Ask a SEAT dealer to confirm both recalls were done, and check the handbrake holds on a slope.

    Source: What Car?: used SEAT Ibiza (2017 on) reliability

  • Infotainment and electrical faults

    In What Car?'s survey 32% had a fault: nearly half infotainment, plus engine, electrical and exhaust faults and warning lights.

    Check: Use the screen and check for warning lights.

    Source: What Car?: used SEAT Ibiza (2017 on) reliability

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots, and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.