Cupra Leon Mk4 (2020-present) reliability
Cupra Leon Mk4 built around 2021: fails its MOT more often than average
Cupra Leon Mk4 models built around 2021 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Cupra Leon Mk4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
16% of MOT tests on Cupra Leon Mk4 models built around 2021 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Cupra Leon Mk4 models built around 2021 involves the tyres.
Based on 1,557 tests of Leon models registered 2020+.
About 1 in 9 hybrid electric Leon cars registered in 2022 (10.7%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 103 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 20 Leon Mk4 MOTs (5.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 618 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.0% and 7.6%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 12 Leon Mk4 MOTs (8.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).
Based on 618 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 6.6% and 11.0%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk4 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 4 years old.
How the Leon Mk4 compares
At each age below, see how the Leon Mk4 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 5,479 tests across 3 Cupra models, built around 2021 (4 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Leon Mk4.
- 1
Mazda 2
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 2.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.2%
Lower fail rate: 8.8%, against 16.3% for the Cupra Leon Mk4, both built around 2021.
4,456 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Toyota GR Yaris
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.8%
- Dangerous
- 2.9%
Lower fail rate: 7.0%, against 16.3% for the Cupra Leon Mk4, both built around 2021.
2,346 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
BMW i3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 2.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 86.5%
Lower fail rate: 8.7%, against 16.3% for the Cupra Leon Mk4, both built around 2021.
4,411 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Toyota Yaris
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.7%
- Dangerous
- 2.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.4%
Lower fail rate: 9.1%, against 16.3% for the Cupra Leon Mk4, both built around 2021.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
25,001 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
1 recall in all1 Leon Mk4 recall covers cars built in these years.
- 1 recall
Top concerns
- On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (direct shift gearbox) of a limited production period the
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Mk4 variants compared
Most common issues on Cupra Leons of this age
This list covers every Cupra Leon built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 117.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 213.1%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 39.4%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 49.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 58.9%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 618 tests
Looking at a Cupra Leon Mk4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Cupra Leon Mk4 (2020-present) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 618 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.