SEAT Alhambra, Altea, Ibiza And 1 More Recall R/2018/060: Starter Motor May Malfunction And Overheat, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 7 Mar 2018
- Launched
- 1,943
- vehicles in the UK
- 27F7
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
SEAT recalled Alhambra, Altea, Ibiza and 1 more vehicles built between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011. With diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
With diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT Defect: On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: starter motor may malfunction and overheat.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Are You Affected?
Alhambra, Altea, Ibiza and 1 more built between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011 may be included. SEAT estimates 1,943 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 27F7 or the DVSA reference R/2018/060. 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 | |
| Arona, IbizaPassenger airbag replacement | Urgent | R/2025/230 | |
| 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 |
This is one of 72 SEAT recalls in DVSA’s data. The SEAT recall launched before it was R/2018/032 on 29 Jan 2018, for passenger airbag may not deploy as intended. The one launched after it was R/2018/312 on 12 Nov 2018, for the inclination of the left headlight may be adjusted at an incorrect angle. You can also see every SEAT recall, the SEAT Ibiza recall history, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/060, launched 7 March 2018. 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.