2021 SEAT Ateca diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Shock absorbers8.4× usual
  SEAT Ateca

  11.7% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Brake pads2.2× usual
  SEAT Ateca

  13.2% All 2021 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.4× usual
  SEAT Ateca

  3.5% All 2021 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Headlight aim2.1× usual
  SEAT Ateca

  3.2% All 2021 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.5% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  25% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  16% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  14% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  5% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• DSG gearbox wear

  DSG automatic

  Jerky or refused changes can mean a worn clutch, a failed mechatronic unit or tired bearings. The DSG needs an oil service every 40,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Drive in slow traffic and feel for jerky or slow changes.

  Source: Parkers: SEAT Ateca (2016 on) used buying guide

• Particulate filter (diesel)

  Diesel

  The 1.6 and 2.0 TDI’s particulate filter clogs on mostly short trips.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a warning light.

  Source: Parkers: SEAT Ateca (2016 on) used buying guide

• Water leaks and electric tailgate

  All engines

  Door, boot and sunroof seals can leak, and the electric tailgate actuator is prone to failure.

  At the viewing: Feel the carpets and roof lining for damp, and try the tailgate button.

  Source: Parkers: SEAT Ateca (2016 on) used buying guide

• Eleven recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered things like loose engine covers and cracked seat bases.

  At the viewing: Ask a SEAT dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Parkers: SEAT Ateca (2016 on) used buying guide

• Haldex four-wheel drive

  4Drive models

  The Haldex rear differential needs servicing.

  At the viewing: Listen for grinding and check for warning lights.

  Source: Parkers: SEAT Ateca (2016 on) used buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the DSG had its oil changed on time, and any repairs?
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 8.4× as often on the 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2021 SEAT Ateca diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?