SEAT Altea, Leon Recall R/2009/111: Clutch May Operate Inadvertently With Unexpected Loss Of Drive, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 30 Nov 2009
- Launched
- 52
- vehicles in the UK
- 35B2
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
SEAT recalled Altea, Leon vehicles built between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009. In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive. The dealer will update/reprogramme gearbox control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: CLUTCH MAY OPERATE INADVERTENTLY WITH UNEXPECTED LOSS OF DRIVE. Defect: In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: clutch may operate inadvertently with unexpected loss of drive.
The Fix
The dealer will update/reprogramme gearbox control unit. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Altea, Leon built between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009 may be included. SEAT estimates 52 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with SEAT, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with SEAT.
- Book with any franchised SEAT dealer, quoting the campaign code 35B2 or the DVSA reference R/2009/111. See how to get a SEAT recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alhambra, Altea, Exeo, LeonTakata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement | Stop driving | R/2025/348 | |
| Alhambra, Altea, Leon, ToledoDrivers side front airbag | Urgent | R/2024/285 | |
| Alhambra, Altea, LeonDriver's side front airbag | Urgent | R/2024/160 | |
| Cupra Formentor, LeonIn certain vehicles within a range of specified VINs it has been detected that an engine support that did not receive the correct heat treatment may have been fitted | Low | R/2023/294 | |
| Alhambra, Ateca, Ibiza, Leon and 1 moreFront driver airbag replacement | Urgent | R/2023/273 |
This is one of 72 SEAT recalls in DVSA’s data. The SEAT recall launched before it was R/2007/116 on 25 Sep 2007, for head airbag may fail to activate under certain collision conditions. The one launched after it was R/2011/168 on 15 Dec 2011, for fuel may leak. You can also see every SEAT recall, the SEAT Leon recall history, all recalls launched in 2009 and loss of power recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2009/111, launched 30 November 2009. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.