Seat Leon
PHEV drive in the Leon KL: 1.4 TSI combustion engine with electric motor, 150 kW system output (204 hp). Check HV coolant circuit for coolant loss; 12V battery and hybrid control unit are known weak points. Combustion engine alone produces 110 kW.
Hybrid with practical sensibility
The Leon KL e-Hybrid with 150 kW system output combines efficiency with adequate driving enjoyment. In electric mode it is quiet and responsive, with the combustion engine it is solid. A practical package for commuters with charging access — though real driving pleasure is not the focus.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The DGEB PHEV in the Tarraco (245 hp system output) shares the well-known HV coolant circuit issue of the VAG PHEV platform. A defective heat exchanger between the air conditioning and HV cooling causes coolant loss and pressure problems. Repair around €400 plus labour.
Symptoms: Red warning triangle, hybrid fault message, vehicle won't start, HV reservoir coolant level dropped
Individual HV battery cells can fail prematurely, deactivating the battery. Skoda launched voluntary service action 93P7 in September 2022. Mainly affects model year 2021.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, vehicle unresponsive to throttle for 2–3 seconds, HV battery warning, vehicle must be towed
The DGEB PHEV in the Tarraco has no alternator. The 12V battery is supplied via the HV system. With purely electric use and no regular combustion engine operation phases, the 12V battery can run flat.
Symptoms: Keyless entry failure, starting difficulties, 12V battery warning, pre-conditioning not working
The Tarraco with DGEB occasionally shows hybrid control unit faults leading to warnings and electric drive failure. Software update or control unit replacement required. High-voltage work only at certified Level-3 workshops.
Symptoms: Hybrid drive fails, error message on display, vehicle runs on combustion engine only
The 12V starter battery drains due to faulty control unit software (BEM/Gateway), especially on early 2020–2021 vehicles. Multiple system errors are triggered by undervoltage.
Symptoms: Vehicle activates itself overnight, numerous driver assistance system errors simultaneously, vehicle won't start
After the 8-year/160,000-km warranty expires, replacing the high-voltage battery costs around €12,000 at the Skoda dealer. Real long-term degradation data is not yet available.
Symptoms: Noticeably reduced electric range (below 70% of original range), battery capacity indicator dropping
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
On the plug-in hybrid (2020–2022) the high-voltage battery is insufficiently secured. Short circuits can trigger a fire. Free retrofit at the dealer.
The DSG gearbox shows increased clutch wear under heavy city use and when towing. Regular gearbox oil changes are essential.
The MIB3 infotainment system shows software bugs such as screen crashes and camera failures. Software updates fix most of the problems.
Coil springs and dampers show more defects than the overall average even at the first roadworthiness inspection. Seat fitted some examples with leaky shock absorbers that tend to seep early.
The reversing camera no longer shows an image, usually caused by a defective control unit or cable break at the connector. Software version 1896 partially resolves the issue.
Front lighting is rated as somewhat critical in TÜV reports. LED control units can fail, and headlight lenses show premature fogging.
The 1.0/1.5 eTSI with DSG shows a noticeable jerk on pull-away, particularly when the engine is warm. The 48V battery requires 2,000–3,000 km to calibrate.
Rear lights mist up internally or show visible water droplets. Leaking seals or micro-cracks in the plastic housing.
Reports & Tests
The fourth Leon generation is the most reliable of the range and shows hardly any mechanical defects at the roadworthiness inspection. Complaints are limited to occasional issues with driver assistance systems and DSG clutch comfort.
