SEAT Exeo MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,296 MOT tests on the SEAT Exeo carried out in 2023. 34% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Exeos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2009 to 2013. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (65% passed, +5.9 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 2011 models fared worst (65%, +2.0 points). Tested cars had covered 129,021 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 12.3% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 7.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,296
- First-time pass rate
- 66%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −5.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 129,021
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Exeo?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Exeo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 509 | 72% | 68% | +4.0 points | 114,364 |
| 2012 | 1,019 | 69% | 66% | +3.5 points | 119,886 |
| 2011 | 1,607 | 65% | 63% | +2.0 points | 130,214 |
| 2010 | 1,425 | 63% | 60% | +2.4 points | 136,708 |
| 2009 | 732 | 65% | 59% | +5.9 points | 134,308 |
Why the SEAT Exeo fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Exeo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 12.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 11.6% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.5% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 8.4% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.6% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 3.9% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.1% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 2.7% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken7.1%
- 2not working5.0%
- 3inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.3%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
- 5excessively deteriorated2.4%
- 6too low2.3%
- 7projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.2%
- 8ball joint excessively worn2.1%
- 9has ply or cords exposed2.0%
- 10pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
Common Exeo MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Exeo, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 20.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 15.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 12.5% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 7.4% |
| excessively deteriorated | Brakes | 7.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.0% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.0% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 4.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.7% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.8% |
Tips to help your Exeo pass
Based on where Exeos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 12.3% of Exeo 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.
Brakes · 8.5% of Exeo 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Exeo ULEZ compliant? See the SEAT Exeo ULEZ check, or view all SEAT models.
Other SEAT models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,296 first MOT tests of the SEAT Exeo 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 5,296 first MOT tests of the SEAT Exeo.
What is the SEAT Exeo MOT failure rate?
In our data, 34% of 5,296 first MOT attempts on the SEAT Exeo ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a SEAT Exeo fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (12.3% of tests), suspension (11.6% of tests), brakes (8.5% of tests).
Which Exeo year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 65% passed first time, +5.9 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 2011, at 65% (+2.0 points).
How many miles had a typical SEAT Exeo covered at its MOT?
The average was 129,021 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2013 cars averaged 114,364 miles and 2009 cars 134,308.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the SEAT Exeo?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 20.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.4% of Exeos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Exeo's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,296 Exeos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 63% to 72% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.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
- 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
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