SEAT Ibiza MOT pass rate and common problems
73.9% of 296,634 SEAT Ibiza MOT tests pass.
The Ibiza passes 73.9% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all SEAT models (80.3%).
The SEAT Ibiza passes 73.9% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this SEAT Ibiza?
This is the average across every SEAT Ibiza in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your SEAT’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the SEAT Ibiza tested at 0–3 years pass 92.0% of the time, compared with just 60.3% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 92.0% | 11,925 | 23,440 miles |
| 3–6 years | 88.4% | 53,792 | 36,155 miles |
| 6–10 years | 74.3% | 100,090 | 60,974 miles |
| 10–15 years | 67.7% | 100,312 | 89,703 miles |
| 15+ years | 60.3% | 30,515 | 102,918 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the SEAT Ibiza
The most common reason the SEAT Ibiza fails its MOT is suspension — present in 42.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 42.0% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 41.7% | Not working |
| Brakes | 37.7% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Tyres | 27.1% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 17.9% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.6% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.3% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 11.0% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.3% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 1.6% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used SEAT Ibiza: what to check
These checks follow the SEAT Ibiza’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the SEAT Ibiza comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 88.4% to 74.3%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 90.7% down to 80.0%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 42.0% of failed SEAT Ibiza MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 23.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 41.7% of failed SEAT Ibiza MOTs. 30.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.7% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 37.7% of failed SEAT Ibiza MOTs. 23.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.6% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 27.1% of failed SEAT Ibiza MOTs. 11.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 4.5% at 0–3 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 17.9% of failed SEAT Ibiza MOTs. 9.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.8% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check SEAT service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related SEAT models
- SEAT Leon — 82.8% pass rate
- SEAT Arona — 88.4% pass rate
- SEAT Ateca — 91.3% pass rate
- SEAT Alhambra — 78.9% pass rate
- SEAT Mii — 83.3% pass rate
- SEAT Altea — 66.7% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the SEAT Ibiza?
- 73.9% of SEAT Ibiza MOT tests pass, based on 296,634 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the SEAT Ibiza?
- The most common reason the SEAT Ibiza fails its MOT is suspension — present in 42.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the SEAT Ibiza?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the SEAT Ibiza are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 23.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used SEAT Ibiza?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the SEAT Ibiza's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the SEAT service history guide for how to check and keep one.