2006 SEAT Leon diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 SEAT Leon diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 SEAT Leon diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  SEAT Leon

  16.9% All 2006 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usual
  SEAT Leon

  8.1% All 2006 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Airbag warning light3.3× usual
  SEAT Leon

  4.6% All 2006 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.3% of all 2006 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions3.8× usual
  SEAT Leon

  3.4% All 2006 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Handbrake performance1.8× usual
  SEAT Leon

  2.3% All 2006 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2006 SEAT Leon diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 SEAT Leon diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  41% 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
  39% 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
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 SEAT Leon 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 SEAT Leon diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 SEAT Leon diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2006 SEAT Leon diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?