2004 SEAT Leon · 5,809 MOT tests
2004 SEAT Leon reliability
2004 SEAT Leons fail 38.5% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 21 Leon years (5,809 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Leons: 23.2%)
- 38.5%
- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Leons: 23.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 130,039
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,809
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 6.5% of tests fail here (31% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 39% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 SEAT Leon
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19.2%
- Brakes12.8%
- Suspension11.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.1%
- Body, chassis and structure10%
- Steering6.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.53%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 3.98%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 3.82%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.67%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.36%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.13%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.25%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (14.2%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.7%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.27%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.97%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.59%)
Other years
Every SEAT Leon year
The full picture: SEAT Leon reliability. Before you pay for any SEAT Leon, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 SEAT Leon reliable?
2004 SEAT Leons fail 38.5% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 21 Leon years (5,809 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 SEAT Leon MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.53% of tests), position lamp not working (3.98% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.82% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 SEAT Leon have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 SEAT Leon shows 130,039 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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