SEAT Arona MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 39,053 MOT tests on the SEAT Arona carried out in 2023. 14% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Aronas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2017 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2019 models did best (88% passed, +1.9 points against the average for 4-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (73%, −9.1 points). Tested cars had covered 27,538 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 4.6% of tests (slightly below the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "less than 1.5 mm thick", on 2.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 39,053
- First-time pass rate
- 86%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +14.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 27,538
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Arona?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Arona MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 487 | 88% | 91% | −3.0 points | 20,604 |
| 2020 | 10,997 | 89% | 88% | +1.0 points | 20,596 |
| 2019 | 14,811 | 88% | 86% | +1.9 points | 27,101 |
| 2018 | 12,136 | 82% | 84% | −2.5 points | 34,115 |
| 2017 | 616 | 73% | 82% | −9.1 points | 38,105 |
Why the SEAT Arona fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Arona | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.6% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 4.0% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 2.1% | 1.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 2.1% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 2.0% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.7% | 3.1% |
| Suspension | 0.4% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | 3.5% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1less than 1.5 mm thick2.1%
- 2ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
- 4has ply or cords exposed1.1%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
- 6not working0.9%
- 7excessively fluctuating0.9%
- 8significantly and obviously worn0.7%
- 9too high0.7%
- 10has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
Common Arona MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Arona, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.8% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 8.8% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.3% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.9% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 1.7% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.5% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 1.2% |
| excessively fluctuating | Brakes | 0.9% |
Tips to help your Arona pass
Based on where Aronas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 4.0% of Arona tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Steering · 2.1% of Arona tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Lights and electrics · 2.1% of Arona tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Compare with other models
Is the Arona ULEZ compliant? See the SEAT Arona ULEZ check, or view all SEAT models.
Other SEAT models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 39,053 first MOT tests of the SEAT Arona carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 39,053 first MOT tests of the SEAT Arona.
What is the SEAT Arona MOT failure rate?
In our data, 14% of 39,053 first MOT attempts on the SEAT Arona ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a SEAT Arona fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (4.6% of tests), brakes (4.0% of tests), steering (2.1% of tests).
Which Arona year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2019 cars performed best: 88% passed first time, +1.9 points against the average for 4-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 73% (−9.1 points).
How many miles had a typical SEAT Arona covered at its MOT?
The average was 27,538 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 20,604 miles and 2017 cars 38,105.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the SEAT Arona?
"has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure" was recorded on 12.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.6% of Aronas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Arona's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 39,053 Aronas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 73% to 89% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Arona's MOT history
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