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SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) (2005-2011) reliability

At a glance

SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) built around 2011: about average at the MOT

SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) models built around 2011 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) right now?

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

Key figure

28% of MOT tests on SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) models built around 2011 involves the tyres.

SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2005-2011HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 35,742 tests of Leon models registered 2005-2011.

About 1 in 12 Leon Mk2 (1P) MOTs (8.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 7,833 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 15 Leon Mk2 (1P) MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 7,833 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (1P) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,94827.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7,83327.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
6,85829.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,12229.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,13130.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,64031.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,30331.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
90729.0%

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 18 years old.

How the Leon Mk2 (1P) compares

At each age below, see how the Leon Mk2 (1P) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 29,117 tests across 5 SEAT models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSEAT average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,94827.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7,83327.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
6,85829.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,12229.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,13130.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,64031.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,30331.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
90729.0%

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension

Worth checking

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

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.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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 Leon Mk2 (1P).

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 27.6% for the SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P), both built around 2011.

    2,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.7%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 24.8%, against 27.6% for the SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P), both built around 2011.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,652 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) on these figures.

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

    37,931 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Renault Grand Modus

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    34%

    No clear edge over the SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) on these figures.

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

    1,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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

93%of all SEAT Leon 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% · About typical

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

24 recalls in all

8 of the 24 Leon Mk2 (1P) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
  • Flywheel may fail

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

How Leon Mk2 (1P) cars have aged

How Leon Mk2 (1P) 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%101214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (6,098 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (5,942 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (5,615 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (5,174 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (4,514 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (5,980 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (5,624 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (5,180 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (4,546 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (4,021 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (5,248 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (4,783 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (4,140 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (3,616 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (2,945 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (5,978 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (5,242 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (4,531 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (3,778 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (2,963 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (5,843 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (4,818 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (3,900 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (3,030 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (2,272 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (4,421 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (3,504 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (2,740 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (2,005 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (1,512 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,410 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (1,874 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (1,435 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (1,161 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (907 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
Mk2 (1P) variants compared

Leon Mk2 (1P) variants built around 2011

The fail rate for each Leon Mk2 (1P) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • LEON27.9%5,481 tests

Petrol

  • LEON27.0%2,338 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on SEAT Leons of this age

This list covers every SEAT Leon built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (1P) 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

    24.6%
    Advisory: 2,639Fail: 254 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    20.5%
    Advisory: 2,630Fail: 157 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    14.8%
    Advisory: 1,311Fail: 312 (19% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    14.0%
    Advisory: 1,299Fail: 207 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    12.6%
    Advisory: 974Fail: 373 (28% of the times it was found)

Based on 7,833 tests

Looking at a SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P) (2005-2011) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 7,833 14-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 35,742 MOT tests on SEAT Leons first registered between 2005-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.