Is the Seat Ateca reliable?
In What Car's reliabilty survery, the Ateca finished 17th out 34 cars in the family SUV class, beating the Kia Sportage and Volvo XC40. Just like any used car there are some common issues (see below) but overall the Ateca shouldn't be a cause for concern.
Dealer networks and specialists are plentiful so you should have no issues when trying to source parts.
Engine: The later 1.5 TSI can be a little hesitant to pull away from cold so check there’s no ‘kangarooing’ (fluctuating revs). It’s a well-known issue and a software update is often the cure.
Leaking coolant could be a sign of water pump failure. Such an issue should flag an engine management light too.
Gearbox: Take a DSG automatic on a long test drive to make sure it’s swapping cogs smoothly. It can sometimes judder when pulling away and when changing from first to second. A gearbox service can fix the issue but a new clutch is also known to solve it.
Handbrake: It can stick on when you pull away, so make sure it releases without any fuss.
Body: Check the power tailgate opens and closes properly as these can fail. Rust can appear in the rear door seals so inspect the edges and near the wheel arches for any orange accents.
Driver Assistance: The lane keep assist is known for being faulty so be sure to test it. If it’s not working properly, it may need a new radar and sensors. There have also been cases of the brake assist activating when no other vehicles are nearby.