SEAT Leon 5F 2.0 TDI, 184 PS, 6-speed manual (2012–2016)

Research for this car

• Generation guide SEAT Leon III (2012-2020): known problems and buying guide

  Check the airbag recall and the DQ200 gearbox first. Ask for proof of the EGR and DPF care on diesels.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Airbag recall (69EC). Give the VIN to a SEAT dealer. Bad result: the recall is still open. Built 15 June 2012 to 6 September 2017.
2. EGR valve and cooler (EA288). Ask a garage to read the EGR values with a VW diagnostic tool. Bad result: stored EGR faults, limp mode on the test drive, or coolant loss.
3. DPF (EA288). Ask a garage to read how full the particulate filter is. Bad result: a filter close to full, a DPF warning light, or a car used only for short trips.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
6. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
7. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
8. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions