2001 SEAT Leon: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 SEAT Leon?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 SEAT Leon than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  SEAT Leon

  18.2% All 2001 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 2.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  SEAT Leon

  12.3% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Steering rack inner joints2.2× usual
  SEAT Leon

  8.1% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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 2001 SEAT Leon MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 SEAT Leon MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% 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.

• Brakes
  41% 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
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 SEAT Leon

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

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 SEAT Leon as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2001 SEAT Leon as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 SEAT Leon as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?