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SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) (2012-2019) reliability

At a glance

SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) right now?

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

Key figure

18% of MOT tests on SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) models built around 2018 involves the suspension.

SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F)
average reliability2012-2019HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 161,726 tests of Leon models registered 2012-2019.

About 1 in 40 Leon Mk3 (5F) MOTs (2.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 24,774 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 Mk3 (5F) MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 24,774 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (5F) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
8,93617.1%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
24,58318.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
24,77417.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
20,81517.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
19,73617.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
22,96718.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
20,49119.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
12,82623.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,59825.6%

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 13 years old.

How the Leon Mk3 (5F) compares

At each age below, see how the Leon Mk3 (5F) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 70,337 tests across 7 SEAT models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSEAT average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
8,93617.1%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
24,58318.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
24,77417.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
20,81517.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
19,73617.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
22,96718.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
20,49119.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
12,82623.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,59825.6%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

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 Mk3 (5F).

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 17.9% for the SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F), both built around 2018.

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

    50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 17.9% for the SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F), both built around 2018.

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

    3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 17.9% for the SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F), both built around 2018.

    3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 17.9% for the SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F), both built around 2018.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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 Mk3 (5F) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Front driver airbag replacement
  • Drivers side front airbag

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

What has gone wrong on Leon Mk3 (5F) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,353 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
20%
Emissions
2%

Wear items

Tyres
26%
Brakes
10%
Lighting
5%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Leon tests (not specific to Mk3 (5F)).

Under 1.0 litre17.6%602 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres18.8%13,844 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres14.3%4,115 tests
How Leon Mk3 (5F) cars have aged

How Leon Mk3 (5F) 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%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (16,118 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (15,159 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (14,643 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (14,662 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (16,345 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (15,947 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (15,754 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (15,598 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (15,579 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (14,005 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (13,478 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (13,274 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (13,135 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (13,006 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (11,990 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (11,874 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (11,721 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (11,437 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (11,339 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (13,425 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (13,305 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (12,998 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (12,798 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (12,510 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (14,055 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (13,886 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (13,463 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (13,181 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (12,858 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (8,626 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (8,458 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (7,962 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (7,729 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (7,498 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (7,959 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (7,804 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (7,505 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (7,122 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (6,598 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016
How each part holds up as Mk3 (5F) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (5F) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 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 car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension8%20%20%17%
Brakes7%7%10%12%
Emissions2%2%2%3%
Tyres21%22%26%28%
Lighting2%3%5%5%
Corrosion0%0%0%0%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 444 to 1,353 cars at each age.

Mk3 (5F) variants compared

Leon Mk3 (5F) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each Leon Mk3 (5F) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • LEON17.8%18,556 tests

Diesel

  • LEON18.4%6,208 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 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (5F) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    24.6%
    Advisory: 8,797Fail: 725 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    18.7%
    Advisory: 6,294Fail: 734 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.0%
    Advisory: 3,640Fail: 625 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.1%
    Advisory: 3,334Fail: 642 (16% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    8.3%
    Advisory: 2,801Fail: 37 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 24,774 tests

Looking at a SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the SEAT Leon Mk3 (5F) (2012-2019) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 24,774 7-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 161,726 MOT tests on SEAT Leons first registered between 2012-2019. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.