Seat Leon 5F
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
290–301 PS
2.0L TSI Benzin
Cupra 300 — class benchmark
Legendary!150 PS
2.0L TDI Diesel
2 weaknesses
Good Choice150 PS
2.0L TDI Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Seat Leon 5F is available as Hatchback and ST — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Seat Leon 5F is available with 20 engine variants — from 86 to 301 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Seat 1.6L TDI (Diesel, 105–116 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CLHA (2012–2015, Be Careful) and CRKB (2013–2016, Be Careful) and DDYA (2016–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L TDI!
The Seat 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 150–184 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CRBC (2012–2016, Stay Away!) and CUPA (2013–2018, Be Careful) and DCYA (2016–2020, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!
The Seat Leon 2.0 TDI 110 (Diesel, 116 PS) has the CUUA (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.
The Seat Leon ST 2.0 TDI 110 (Diesel, 116 PS) has the CUUA (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.
The Seat 1.0L TSI (Petrol, 110–116 PS) has the DKJA (1.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Seat 1.2L TSI (Petrol, 86–110 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CJZB (2012–2016, Be Careful) and CYVB (2014–2016, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L TSI!
The Seat 1.4L TGI (CNG, 110 PS) has the CPWA (1.4L TGI) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Seat 1.4L TSI (Petrol, 122–125 PS) has the CZCA (1.4L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Seat 1.4L TSI ACT (Petrol, 150 PS) has the CZEA (1.4L TSI ACT) — rated: "Good Choice", 7 known weaknesses.
The Seat 1.5L TSI (Petrol, 131 PS) has the DACA (1.5L TSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 9 known weaknesses.
The Seat 1.8L TSI (Petrol, 179 PS) has the CJSA (1.8L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Seat 2.0L TSI (Petrol, 190 PS) has the DKZA (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.
The Seat Leon 1.0 TSI 86 (Petrol, 86–90 PS) has the DKLB (1.0L TSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.
The Seat Leon Cupra (Petrol, 280–300 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CJXA (2013–2016, Be Careful) and CJXC (2017–2020, Be Careful) and CJXC (2017–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Leon Cupra!
The Seat Leon Cupra 265 (Petrol, 265 PS) has the CJXE (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Seat Leon Cupra 265 ST (Petrol, 265 PS) has the CJXE (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Seat Leon Cupra 290 (Petrol, 290 PS) has the CJXH (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Seat Leon Cupra 290 ST (Petrol, 290 PS) has the CJXH (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Seat Leon Cupra ST (Petrol, 290–300 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CJXC (2017–2020, Be Careful) and CJXC (2017–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Leon Cupra ST!
The Seat Leon ST 1.0 TSI 86 (Petrol, 86–90 PS) has the DKLB (1.0L TSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Springs and shock absorbers: Premature wear Springs and shock absorbers on the Leon 5F show above-average wear even at the first roadworthiness inspection. Shock absorbers in particular are frequently flagged. Symptoms: Harsher ride, knocking over road imperfections, vehicle feels unstable from 80,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report
The third Leon generation performs more solidly at the roadworthiness inspection than its predecessor. Even at the first mandatory check coil springs, shock absorbers, and headlights attract attention; micro-cracks in the headlight lenses can necessitate a complete replacement.
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 122 weaknesses have been documented for the Seat Leon 5F (2012–2020) — 113 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CRBC (2.0L TDI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Electronics, HVAC. Considered reliable: CYVB (1.2L TSI), CZEA (1.4L TSI ACT), DACA (1.5L TSI).
Leon (CLHA, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Mandatory emissions software update (Dieselgate EA189), EGR valve defective, EGR valve and EGR cooler clogging. Power: 105–110 PS.
Leon (CRBC, 2012–2016) — Stay Away!: Oil-bath wet belt — interval often overlooked, EA189 Dieselgate recall CRBC Leon 5F, EGR valve failure after Dieselgate software update. Power: 150 PS.
Leon (CRKB, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Water pump defective (EA288 up to Sept. 2014), Injector failure (Continental type), Turbocharger bearing wear. Power: 105–116 PS.
Leon (CUPA, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: EA189 Dieselgate recall CUPA 184 PS Leon FR, Turbo boost pressure sensor P2563 EA189 FR, EGR cooler and EGR valve failure EA189. Power: 184 PS.
Leon (DDYA, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Water pump defect EA288, Injectors and EGR coking, EGR valve seized from soot deposits. Power: 110–116 PS.
Leon (CJZB, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Camshaft adjuster fault (timing belt snap), Timing chain stretching prematurely, Oil consumption from piston rings. Power: 86 PS.
Leon (CZCA, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Break from Defective Camshaft Adjuster, Timing belt change interval — must be observed, Increased Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Coking. Power: 122–125 PS.
Leon (CJSA, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Water pump and thermostat — repeated failures, Timing chain stretch at high mileage. Power: 179 PS.
Leon (CJXA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump tappet wear EA888 Gen3 Cupra, Connecting rod bearing / oil pump damage at high load, Water pump failure — coolant loss EA888 Gen3. Power: 280 PS.
Leon (CJXE, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump tappet wear EA888 Gen3 Cupra, Connecting rod bearing / oil pump damage at high load, Timing chain elongation EA888 Gen3. Power: 265 PS.
Leon (CJXH, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump tappet EA888 Gen3 Cupra 300, Engine damage from bearing failure CJXC, Timing chain elongation EA888 Gen3. Power: 290 PS.
Leon (CJXC, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump tappet EA888 Gen3 Cupra 300, Engine damage from bearing failure CJXC, Chain tensioner wearing early. Power: 300 PS.
Leon (CJXC, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump tappet EA888 Gen3 Cupra 300, Engine damage from bearing failure CJXC, Chain tensioner wearing early. Power: 290 PS.
Leon (DKJA, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Recall: Injectors Do Not Close Fully, Wet Timing Belt Running in Oil Bath, Leaking Injectors. Power: 110–116 PS.
Leon (CPWA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: CNG gas line leaking on 2018 models, Valve stem seals worn, Lambda sensor failure in CNG mode. Power: 110 PS.
What to watch out for with the Seat Leon? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee