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SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) (2008-2016) reliability

At a glance

SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) built around 2016: fails its MOT more often than average

SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) models built around 2016 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) right now?

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

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 20% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J)
poor reliability2008-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 164,689 tests of Ibiza models registered 2008-2016.

About 1 in 25 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) MOTs (4.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 23,545 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 Mk4 (6J) MOTs (7.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 23,545 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk4 (6J) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9,66225.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
23,54525.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
26,21827.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
25,02428.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
20,93229.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
17,82630.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
16,67931.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
12,52631.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,77333.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,50435.3%

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 Mk4 (6J) compares

At each age below, see how the Ibiza Mk4 (6J) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 51,762 tests across 7 SEAT models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSEAT average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9,66225.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
23,54525.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
26,21827.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
25,02428.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
20,93229.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
17,82630.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
16,67931.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
12,52631.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,77333.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,50435.3%

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 priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

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.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

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 Mk4 (6J).

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    4.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 13.4%, against 25.9% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J), both built around 2016.

    3,562 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 25.9% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J), both built around 2016.

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

    54,681 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 16.5%, against 25.9% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J), both built around 2016.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    19,041 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.5%

    Lower fail rate: 17.4%, against 25.9% for the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J), both built around 2016.

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

    4,102 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

5 of the 17 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Front driver airbag replacement
  • Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
  • Manual child lock may disengage without warning

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Ibiza tests (not specific to Mk4 (6J)).

Under 1.0 litre25.4%5,714 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres26.2%16,942 tests1.4 to 2.0 litresToo few tests to rely on283 tests
How Ibiza Mk4 (6J) cars have aged

How Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 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%57911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (15,162 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (14,921 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (14,986 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (14,693 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (14,542 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (15,977 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (15,899 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (15,822 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (15,662 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (15,323 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (16,662 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (16,514 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (16,440 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (16,006 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (15,597 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (14,481 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (14,117 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (13,974 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (13,407 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (13,008 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (12,171 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (11,747 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (11,422 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (10,722 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (10,116 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (13,474 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (12,826 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (12,230 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (11,490 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (10,470 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (10,721 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (10,072 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (9,270 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (8,321 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (7,244 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (9,387 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (8,715 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (7,843 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (6,856 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (5,776 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (7,059 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (6,221 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (5,330 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (4,353 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (3,504 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk4 (6J) variants compared

Ibiza Mk4 (6J) variants built around 2016

The fail rate for each Ibiza Mk4 (6J) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • IBIZA25.9%22,931 tests

Diesel

  • IBIZA27.1%605 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on SEAT Ibizas of this age

This list covers every SEAT Ibiza built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (6J) 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

    23.1%
    Advisory: 7,453Fail: 992 (12% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    19.0%
    Advisory: 4,587Fail: 1,978 (30% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    16.2%
    Advisory: 4,351Fail: 563 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    13.1%
    Advisory: 4,101Fail: 96 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.6%
    Advisory: 3,568Fail: 711 (17% of the times it was found)

Based on 23,545 tests

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) (2008-2016) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 23,545 9-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 164,689 MOT tests on SEAT Ibizas first registered between 2008-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.