Comparison · family hatchbacks
Vauxhall Astra vs SEAT Leon: which is more reliable?
The SEAT Leon does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 98 for the Vauxhall Astra, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 808,242 real MOT tests in 2024.
Vauxhall Astra
SEAT Leon
By age
MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).
| Age at test | Vauxhall Astra | SEAT Leon |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 99About average | 99About average |
| 6–9 years | 98About average | 103Above average |
| 10–14 years | 100About average | 107Above average |
| 15+ years | 94Below average | 104Above average |
Year by year
Share that passed first time, same registration year.
| Year | Vauxhall Astra | SEAT Leon |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 87.5% | 88.0% |
| 2020 | 86.3% | 86.3% |
| 2019 | 84.0% | 82.2% |
| 2018 | 80.8% | 81.5% |
| 2017 | 79.7% | 80.5% |
| 2016 | 76.5% | 81.1% |
| 2015 | 69.6% | 78.8% |
| 2014 | 67.4% | 77.1% |
| 2013 | 66.9% | 73.3% |
| 2012 | 65.2% | 67.0% |
| 2011 | 62.2% | 63.4% |
| 2010 | 59.4% | 61.2% |
| 2009 | 55.9% | 61.3% |
| 2008 | 54.6% | 58.4% |
| 2007 | 53.5% | 58.0% |
| 2006 | 51.8% | 56.2% |
| 2005 | 52.2% | 59.7% |
| 2004 | 53.9% | 61.4% |
| 2003 | 55.8% | 61.2% |
| 2002 | 53.1% | 61.0% |
| 2001 | 56.3% | 59.4% |
Problem areas
Failure items per 100 tests.
| Area | Vauxhall Astra | SEAT Leon |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & electrics | 17.8 | 8.0 |
| Suspension | 13.8 | 8.9 |
| Brakes | 13.9 | 7.8 |
| Tyres | 8.9 | 7.7 |
| Emissions & leaks | 7.0 | 3.4 |
| Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors) | 5.8 | 4.0 |
| Body & chassis | 5.1 | 2.4 |
| Steering | 1.1 | 0.5 |
Vauxhall Astra: top failures
SEAT Leon: top failures
Questions
Which is more reliable, the Vauxhall Astra or the SEAT Leon?
The SEAT Leon does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 98 for the Vauxhall Astra, comparing each with cars of the same age.
Which years of the Vauxhall Astra and SEAT Leon can be compared?
Both were tested for 21 registration years (2001–2021). The Vauxhall Astra had the higher pass rate in 1 of them and the SEAT Leon in 20.
What fails most on each?
Vauxhall Astra: coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. SEAT Leon: coil spring: fractured or broken; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm.