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Seat Leon III faults

5 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Buy with care
Reliability
3.5/5

5 known faults

1.2 TSI 110

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.2 TSI 110 DSG7

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Dry-clutch DSG 7 (DQ200): mechatronics and clutch

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    The DQ200 7-speed dry-clutch DSG is known for low-speed jerks and premature clutch wear in intensive urban use, with fragile mechatronics (hydraulic and control unit). Careco advises against the DQ200 on Leon III models built before summer 2014. These sources are general guides on the gearbox and parts blogs: check the car's gearbox type and its maintenance history.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110 DSG7
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.0 TSI 115

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.4 TSI 125

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. 1.4 TSI oil consumption

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Caradisiac reports heavy oil consumption on the 1.4 TSI, especially during the first 20,000 km, which requires topping up the level between services; Careco also describes it as documented, sometimes from the first kilometres. Owner opinions on the 125 hp are divided: some describe consumption limited to the first kilometres, others around 1 litre per 10,000 km.

    Versions
    1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. 1.4 TSI oil consumption

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Caradisiac reports heavy oil consumption on the 1.4 TSI, especially during the first 20,000 km, which requires topping up the level between services; Careco also describes it as documented, sometimes from the first kilometres. Owner opinions on the 125 hp are divided: some describe consumption limited to the first kilometres, others around 1 litre per 10,000 km.

    Versions
    1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.6 TDI 110

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

2.0 TDI 150

  1. From 80,000 km

    Worn dual-mass flywheel on the 2.0 TDI 150

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Fiches-auto states that the 2.0 TDI 150 can wear its dual-mass flywheel prematurely, with rattling or vibration; Carverif places the flywheel wear at around 80,000-120,000 km. Watch for vibration at idle, rattling when the ignition is switched off, and knocking on acceleration.

    Versions
    2.0 TDI 150
    Onset
    between 80,000 km and 120,000 km
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.5 TGI 130 GNV

  1. Cracked headlights and tail lights, condensation in the headlamps (before facelift)

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Used-car guides cite cracked front headlights and rear lights, sometimes without any identifiable impact, on Leon III models before the 2017 facelift, as well as condensation in the headlamps. Owners report cracks in the plastic body; one guide advises checking the condition of the headlights before buying. No manufacturer recall was found for this fault.

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: Takata airbags (Leon and Toledo)

    Manufacturer recall

    A recall campaign (internal reference 69EC) targets Leons fitted with Takata airbags; according to Car-recalls.eu, the affected Leons were built between June 2012 and September 2017, while Caradisiac cites Leons and Toledos assembled in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Only the serial number shows whether a given car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.2 TSI 110, 1.2 TSI 110 DSG7, 1.0 TSI 115, 1.4 TSI 125, 1.4 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 ACT DSG7, 1.6 TDI 110, 2.0 TDI 150, 1.5 TGI 130 GNV
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Seat Leon III (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

← Back to the Seat Leon III guide