SEAT Leon: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 62,518 SEAT Leon cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1999 and 2026.
In a sample of 398 cars, 53.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (15.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 17 recalls for this model; 22% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific SEAT Leon
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 15.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.6% |
| Tyre damaged | 6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.8% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 4.3% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 4% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 3.5% |
| Front fog light incorrectly aimed | 3.5% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 2.5% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 16.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 7.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.5% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 62,518 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 22% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.4% |
| First registered | 1999 to 2026 |
All SEAT Leon passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-03-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 6 |
| 2023-11-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2023-11-10 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 1 |
| 2023-04-28 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 73 |
| 2022-08-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 4 |
| 2022-04-08 | electrical system | serious | 268 |
| 2022-03-29 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 14 |
| 2021-09-07 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 0 |
| 2020-03-25 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 103 |
| 2019-10-14 | lights | – | 1,890 |
| 2019-09-26 | not specified | – | 0 |
| 2019-05-14 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 18 |
| 2018-03-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2018-03-01 | electrical system | – | 2,712 |
| 2017-07-19 | brakes | – | 3,936 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the SEAT Leon fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 53.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the SEAT Leon?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (15.6%), tyre pressure incorrect (11.8%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (10.6%).
Does the SEAT Leon have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 17 recalls. 22% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other SEAT models
Ibiza · Mii · Arona · Ateca · Altea · Tarraco · Arosa · Alhambra
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.