2020 SEAT Leon: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Known faults on every 2020 SEAT Leon
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.
- DSG automatic
DSG automatic needs regular oil changes
The DSG automatic needs its oil and filter changing about every 40,000 miles. Cars serviced away from dealers or specialists sometimes miss it, which can lead to expensive gearbox faults.
At the viewing: Look in the service history for a DSG oil change. Pull away gently several times and check for judder.
If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic
Source: Parkers: used SEAT Leon review
- Manual gearbox
Notchy manual gearbox
Some owners report stiff or notchy changes in certain gears. A healthy Leon gearbox should slot into every gear with very little effort.
At the viewing: On the test drive, go up and down through every gear, including reverse. Stiffness or crunching isn't normal.
If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic
Source: Parkers: used SEAT Leon review
- All engines
Leaky rear light seals
The seals on the rear light units can let water in. Condensation inside the lens is the first sign, and enough water can make the lights fail, which is an MOT fail.
At the viewing: Look inside both rear lights for misting or water droplets, and check every bulb works.
Source: Parkers: used SEAT Leon review
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Other years
Every year of the SEAT Leon compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 3,753 | Tyres 32% |
| 2021 | 22,353 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 57,652 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 62,279 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 53,966 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 46,971 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 50,821 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 55,252 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 34,188 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 26,091 | Suspension 41% |
| 2011 | 19,244 | Suspension 47% |
| 2010 | 16,979 | Suspension 50% |
| 2009 | 14,294 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 13,659 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 12,655 | Suspension 48% |
| 2006 | 8,290 | Suspension 48% |
| 2005 | 4,943 | Suspension 45% |
| 2004 | 4,210 | Brakes 44% |
| 2003 | 3,267 | Suspension 43% |
| 2002 | 1,589 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 757 | Suspension 47% |
| 2000 | 161 | Suspension 50% |