Common problems by part
SEAT Arona steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 49,550 MOT tests · Updated
At 4 years, 0.4 in 100 MOT tests of the SEAT Arona failed on steering, against 0.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 49,550 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 215 MOT tests with a fail
- When it starts: clear of 1.2 times from 4 years and at every older age seen
- Most common fail: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt, 0.3 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.4 fails per 100 MOT tests at 4 years, against 0.2 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 4 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
SEAT Arona steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 45,382 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 49,550 | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 38,245 | 2.4 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 27,570 | 6.1 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 12,728 | 11.0 | 0.8 |
All first-use years of the SEAT Arona pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 4 years
Fails
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt: 0.3 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.0. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt: 1.3 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.1. Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (MOT minor defect)
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 0.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.1. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
- Track rod end: ball joint has slight play: 0.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.1. Track rod end ball joint has slight play MOT advisory
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying an SEAT Arona? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
By engine and fuel
- 1.0 petrol: 0.4 per 100 at 4 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 42,752 MOT tests)
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt.
Check one SEAT Arona, not the average
The figures here describe SEAT Arona cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check an SEAT Arona's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other SEAT Arona problems
Steering on rival models
- Nissan Juke steering problems: 0.1 per 100 MOT tests at 4 years, against 0.4 for the SEAT Arona (81,058 MOT tests)
- Volkswagen T-Roc steering problems: 0.0 per 100 MOT tests at 4 years, against 0.4 for the SEAT Arona (75,426 MOT tests)
- Vauxhall Mokka steering problems: 0.1 per 100 MOT tests at 4 years, against 0.4 for the SEAT Arona (68,215 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the SEAT Arona have more steering problems than other cars?
0.4 in 100 MOT tests at 4 years, against 0.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 49,550 MOT tests).
How common are SEAT Arona steering problems?
0.4 in 100 MOT tests at 4 years failed on steering, against 0.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 49,550 MOT tests).
What is the most common SEAT Arona steering fail?
0.3 in 100 MOT tests at 4 years: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (137 MOT tests with it).
At what age do SEAT Arona steering fails start?
4 years: from then on the rate stays clear of 1.2 times all class 4 vehicles the same age at every age seen, 128,093 MOT tests.
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 173,475 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare