2003 Seat Ibiza 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

After reading lots of Ibiza comments on this site, I don't feel too bad. I've only owned this car about 3 months.

The EPC light comes on when it wants to, and the engine management light comes on and goes off again on a daily basis.

I have noticed that there is a terrible creaking noise coming front the front suspension; thought it was the top strut mounts; been into a garage, they can't find any fault with it anywhere. It is a shame as it is a lovely car to drive. I didn't realise that a lot of other people have had the same faults.

One other issue that I have found with it, is it's terrible to start sometimes. If it won't start on the first turn of the key, forget it because it won't start at all. I've found leaving it for 15 minutes or so, then it's fine. Although all these faults show up on the dashboard, it does not seem to alter the vehicle in anyway. I used to be in the motor industry selling car parts; as long as it drives, I'm not gonna worry about it. :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th September, 2010

22nd Sep 2010, 02:06

I have had a Seat Ibiza for the last 2 years now.

Since I bought the car my complaint have been about the suspension. This has been reported on every service but was only attended on the 3rd service. My mileage is now 94 399 km and VW has finally replaced whatever was needed. The problem has still not been sorted.

My maintenance plan has also ended so what now? Hopefully all the other problems will not come out.

Can we not do anything about this as this has been a common problem with the seats?

I look forward to hearing from anyone who can relate to my problem.

My E-mail address is merciaclarke@gmail.com.

2003 Seat Ibiza 1.2 12v from Greece

Summary:

Nice, if a bit underpowered and lacks equipment

Faults:

Silent blocks worn off too quickly.

Front wiper injectors lack pressure.

Had to replace 2 bearings in the transmission - they were cheap to replace.

General Comments:

Handles nicely.

Is adequately spacious.

Materials used inside aren't of the best quality, but they are tough and firm.

Performance adequate for moving in the city and in suburbs. On highways and hills, it will struggle, especially if it's loaded.

3 cylinder engine sounds distinctive; a bit annoyingly, and it's not what I would call refined and smooth.

Lacks safety equipment.

Interior looks too spartan.

Have had no reliability issues.

Replacement parts are cheap, MPG good, running costs low.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2010

2003 Seat Ibiza 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good up to 40000 miles, wish I'd got rid of it then!

Faults:

Broken radiator fan at 3000 miles.

Various rattles from dashboard.

2 ignition coils failed between 40-60k.

Rear stereo speaker stopped working.

Cigarette lighter stopped working.

Lambda sensor replaced @ 70000 miles.

Oxygen Sensor replaced @ 70000 miles.

Rear windscreen washer broken @ 65000 miles.

Dealership now saying catalytic converter is failing!

General Comments:

Decent performance from car and fun to drive.

But the amount of failures and the money it has cost me is very upsetting.

It now spends more time in the garage than I do driving it!

I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER SEAT, no matter how good they look, the looks are only skin deep!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th June, 2009

2nd Oct 2009, 03:30

It's the VW parentage that gives these cars the poor reliability, despite VW's quality image they are generally very troublesome and plagued with constant design and quality issues.

10th Feb 2011, 04:07

I've had all the above faults too! Even the rear speaker! Plus both front suspension springs snapping, heating getting stuck on constant inferno, aerial falling off, windscreen wipers seizing, headlights steaming up, door switch for interior light failing, starter motor failing, cam timing sensor failing, hole in steel air-con pipe, cup holder fell apart... What's next?! I think front suspension bushes need replacing!

27th Sep 2015, 11:35

Bought a Seat Ibiza 1.2 12 valve, 2003 model, 2 years ago. Electric window stopped working intermittently. Cost £300 to mend. Emission light came on without any other clues. Stopped and restarted the engine a couple of times and the light now goes off OK. Hope it's cured. Now done 105,000 miles, and drives well. Good acceleration. No other problems.