2010 SEAT Exeo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Flexible brake hoses7.1× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  13.4% All 2010 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Steering rack inner joints5.3× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  12.6% All 2010 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  15.2% All 2010 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes12.8× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  7.7% All 2010 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Engine warning light3.2× usual
  SEAT Exeo

  6.4% All 2010 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  14% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 7.1× as often on the 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2010 SEAT Exeo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?