Skip to main content
Check

SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) (2002-2007) reliability

At a glance

SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) built around 2007: about average at the MOT

SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) models built around 2007 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

35% of MOT tests on SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) models built around 2007 involves the tyres.

SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2002-2007HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 11,394 tests of Ibiza models registered 2002-2007.

About 1 in 12 Ibiza Mk3 (6L) MOTs (8.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,778 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). 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 Ibiza Mk3 (6L) MOTs (8.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).

Based on 3,778 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (6L) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,98636.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,77834.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,26034.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,47734.3%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,13534.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
60734.1%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
15131.1%

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 17 years old.

How the Ibiza Mk3 (6L) compares

At each age below, see how the Ibiza Mk3 (6L) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 9,586 tests across 5 SEAT models, built around 2007 (18 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSEAT average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,98636.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,77834.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,26034.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,47734.3%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,13534.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
60734.1%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
15131.1%

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.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask 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 checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check 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 Ibiza Mk3 (6L).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.8%
    Dangerous
    3.7%

    Lower fail rate: 22.4%, against 34.6% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L), both built around 2007.

    2,018 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 27.7%, against 34.6% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L), both built around 2007.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,859 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    6.8%

    Lower fail rate: 29.4%, against 34.6% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L), both built around 2007.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,326 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 32.0%, against 34.6% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L), both built around 2007.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    26,628 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

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.

How many are still registered

92%of all SEAT Ibiza cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

17 recalls in all

2 of the 17 Ibiza Mk3 (6L) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Head airbag may fail to activate under certain collision conditions.
  • Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Ibiza Mk3 (6L) cars built around 2007

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 695 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
71%
Emissions
47%
Drivetrain
19%
Steering
8%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Lighting
64%
Tyres
62%
Brakes
61%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 16% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Ibiza Mk3 (6L) cars have aged

How Ibiza Mk3 (6L) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (5,914 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (4,908 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (3,968 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (3,225 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (2,396 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (4,406 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (3,556 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (2,762 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (2,118 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (1,576 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 36.3% (2,795 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (2,053 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (1,604 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (1,208 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (896 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (2,096 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (1,623 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,233 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (947 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (698 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (1,662 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (1,230 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (946 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (688 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (479 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (614 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (446 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (296 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (193 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (151 tests, 2025 data)2002
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
How each part holds up as Mk3 (6L) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (6L) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension71%79%76%80%
Brakes61%62%65%60%
Emissions47%48%40%35%
Tyres62%65%63%62%
Lighting64%76%71%66%
Drivetrain19%23%22%38%
Bodywork2%5%4%3%
Steering8%7%5%8%
Corrosion16%15%11%15%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 679 to 726 cars at each age.

Mk3 (6L) variants compared

Ibiza Mk3 (6L) variants built around 2007

The fail rate for each Ibiza Mk3 (6L) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • IBIZA35.1%3,260 tests

Diesel

  • IBIZA31.7%518 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on SEAT Ibizas of this age

This list covers every SEAT Ibiza built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (6L) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.9%
    Advisory: 1,169Fail: 120 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    18.2%
    Advisory: 825Fail: 213 (21% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    16.9%
    Advisory: 733Fail: 174 (19% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    15.6%
    Advisory: 589Fail: 11 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    14.0%
    Advisory: 451Fail: 105 (19% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,778 tests

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the SEAT Ibiza Mk3 (6L) (2002-2007) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,778 18-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 11,394 MOT tests on SEAT Ibizas first registered between 2002-2007. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.