SEAT Ibiza: what fails at MOT
279,000 MOT tests on the SEAT Ibiza in 2024, counted. 31.9% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
31.9% of SEAT Ibiza tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 25.7%, so the Ibiza does worse than most cars its age.
It fails most often on suspension (7.8% of tests), lights and electrics (7.7% of tests) and brakes (5.9% of tests). It fails on suspension, brakes and tyres more often than most cars its age.
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15,668 | 11.3% | 10.9% | 22,400 15,800 to 30,400 |
| 2020 | 14,518 | 12.3% | 11.5% | 28,900 20,800 to 38,400 |
| 2019 | 20,005 | 13.1% | 13.4% | 35,000 25,800 to 45,700 |
| 2018 | 19,414 | 22.5% | 15.6% | 44,100 33,100 to 56,300 |
| 2017 | 22,586 | 27.5% | 18.2% | 50,500 38,400 to 63,800 |
| 2016 | 26,220 | 30.4% | 21.3% | 58,400 45,100 to 72,900 |
| 2015 | 25,194 | 34.2% | 24.4% | 65,000 50,000 to 81,300 |
| 2014 | 27,093 | 36.5% | 27.7% | 73,000 56,200 to 90,800 |
| 2013 | 22,805 | 38.3% | 30.6% | 82,000 64,200 to 100,300 |
| 2012 | 18,899 | 38.3% | 33.4% | 86,600 68,600 to 106,400 |
| 2011 | 19,471 | 40.4% | 36.1% | 92,800 73,400 to 113,400 |
| 2010 | 14,675 | 42.1% | 38.6% | 98,500 78,000 to 119,100 |
| 2009 | 12,081 | 45.5% | 39.8% | 100,200 80,800 to 120,000 |
| 2008 | 7,492 | 49.0% | 41.5% | 103,900 83,500 to 125,500 |
| 2007 | 5,488 | 52.9% | 41.5% | 101,400 80,600 to 123,500 |
| 2006 | 3,957 | 49.6% | 42.4% | 102,500 80,900 to 128,100 |
| 2005 | 1,946 | 49.7% | 42.2% | 99,500 76,000 to 124,600 |
| 2004 | 1,582 | 46.6% | 42.3% | 95,500 71,400 to 119,900 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of SEAT Ibiza tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Ibiza | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension More than most | 7.8% | 5.6% |
| Lights and electrics | 7.7% | 6.8% |
| Brakes More than most | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Tyres More than most | 5.5% | 4.2% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen More than most | 4.2% | 2.9% |
| Body and structure More than most | 2.7% | 2.0% |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.3% | 1.9% |
| Steering More than most | 2.3% | 1.2% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre3.3%
- Headlamp aim3.1%
- Suspension pins and bushes3.0%
- Washers2.9%
- Tyre tread2.5%
- Track rod end1.9%
- Footbrake1.8%
- Shock absorbers1.8%
- Headlamp1.7%
- Brake test1.7%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.8%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.5%
- Brake test: efficiency below requirements1.4%
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.4%
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.3%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.3%
- Number plate light: inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.3%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge13.3%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened7.1%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing6.5%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement6.1%
- Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil5.8%
- Brake pads: wearing thin3.9%
- Engine oil: leak, but not excessive3.0%
- Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases2.7%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
Check a SEAT Ibiza's own MOT record
Looking at a Ibiza? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.