Cupra carsCode KM7
Cupra Formentor problems (2020–today)
We have documented 2 engines for the Cupra Formentor and none has high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2]
Outside the engine: Away from the engine, the Cupra Formentor has racked up several safety recalls in its early years - airbag, seat belt, brakes and suspension - documented by the specialist British press, plus a recall for the engine cover. Spanish-language road tests flag no additional reliability problems beyond minor comfort points, and the car retains the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.[3][4]
Cupra Formentor rating: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 14 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine7.6From 7.5 to 7.7 depending on the engine
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.02 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.11 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system8.61 fault
- Headlights and lights8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment8.62 faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.61 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Airbags and safety6.62 faults
Ranked 4 of 79 among the Compact SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking
The weak points of the Cupra Formentor
- 1Critical severity: Front airbag wiring faultAirbags and safety · free repair (recall)
- 2High severity: Engine cover can come looseBodywork and interior · free repair (recall)
- 3Medium severity: Thermostat housing leak and water pump failure2.0 TSI / TFSI engine
- 4Critical severity: Risk of brake failure or leakBrakes · free repair (recall)
- 5Critical severity: Rear left wheel bearing housing may break (2023 recall)Suspension
Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk
- 2.0 TSI / TFSIsince 2020 · VZMost serious fault:Medium severityVerdict:Buy
- 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSIsince 2020 · 1.5 TSI 150 CVMost serious fault:Medium severityVerdict:BuySafest option
The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines
See what to check before buyingOutside the engine
8 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Recall for possible brake fluid leak in DSG versions. See the campaigns for the Cupra Formentor
Volkswagen / Audi 2.0 TSI and TFSI (familia EA888) · Petrol
- In the Formentor
- since 2020[5]
- Name
- VZ
- Faults that affect it
- 2
Verdict for the version it uses
2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 3B / evo, with added indirect injection (2016 onwards, 190-320 hp)since 2016 · 190–320 hp · CHHA, DKFA, DLBA, CJXE, CJXA, CJXB
BuyThe added indirect injection reduces the carbon build-up problem and the documented oil consumption is lower. It is still worth checking the thermostat housing/water pump and the PCV valve, which are common to the whole family.[5][6][7]
Faults that affect the Formentor
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TSI / TFSI has 5 documented faults in total.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingThermostat housing leak and water pump failureSince Volkswagen integrated the water pump impeller into the thermostat housing, this plastic part leaks coolant over time; on the oldest units, with a separate belt-driven pump, failures of the pump itself are also documented.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failureThe PCV valve returns to the intake manifold the oil and combustion vapours that build up in the crankcase. If it sticks closed or open, it causes a rough idle, misfires or oil leaks from the seals.Repair (garage): €60–€250
Formentor 2.0 TSI / TFSI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI
1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI
Safest optionVolkswagen 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI (EA211 / EA211 evo) · Petrol
- In the Formentor
- since 2020[2]
- Name
- 1.5 TSI 150 CV
- Faults that affect it
- 3
Verdict for the version it uses
1.5 TSI / 1.5 eTSI evo 114/130/150 hp (DPCA, DPBC; built from 2020)since 2020 · 114–150 hp · DPCA, DPBC
BuyThe sources consider the 1.5 TSI from 2020 onwards much more mature than those of 2017–2019, with few complaints of jerking.[1][2]
Faults that affect the Formentor
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI has 5 documented faults in total.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat moduleOn the EA211 the water pump and thermostat housing form a plastic module that, over the years, can crack or lose its seal and cause a slow loss of coolant. Keep an eye on the level: if it is ignored, it can end in overheating.
- Low severityFrequency: Very frequentElectronicsCold jerking at low speed ("kangaroo effect") on the 1.5 TSI evoThe 2017–2019 1.5 TSI evo can jerk and judder when pulling away and driving slowly with a cold engine, especially with a manual gearbox. It is a calibration fault, not a mechanical one: Volkswagen dealt with it through engine software updates between 2019 and 2020.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesLike any direct-injection engine, the 1.0 and 1.5 TSI can accumulate carbon on the intake valves and ports, especially with urban use. It is usually noticed between 80,000 and 120,000 km as a loss of power, rough running and higher consumption.Appears at around 80,000 km
Formentor 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI
Faults of the Cupra Formentor outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.
Suspension
- Critical severityFrequency: RareSuspensionRear left wheel bearing housing may break (2023 recall)Yes: a Safety Gate alert from August 2023 covers Formentor built between 31 March and 20 April 2023, whose rear left wheel bearing housings could break prematurely and compromise stability.
- High severityFrequency: RareSuspensionRisk of suspension failureIn July 2023 Cupra recalled a series of Formentors over a risk of suspension failure. Auto Express documents the recall in its buying guide, without detailing which exact component fails or how many units are involved.Repair: €0
Electronics and infotainment
- Low severityFrequency: CommonElectronics and infotainmentScreen and infotainment freezing or restartingThis is the non-recall fault that comes up most in the sources: 9 of the 21 fiches-auto.fr testimonies fall into electronics, and autocentrum.pl and CarWiki describe screens that freeze or restart, functions that stop responding and assistance warnings that disappear.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentRear camera goes black or does not activateThree sources from three countries cite a rear camera that shows a black screen, a frozen image or fails to activate when reverse is selected; CarWiki includes it among the Formentor's five weak points.
Airbags and safety
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyFront airbag wiring faultYes: in June 2022 Cupra recalled more than 10,000 Formentors over a problem with the front airbag wiring, which could stop it working properly in a crash. The inspection and, where needed, the wiring repair were carried out free of charge at official dealers.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetyFront seat belt could work looseIn August 2021 Cupra recalled a series of Formentors because the front seat belt could work loose with use instead of maintaining constant tension. Auto Express documents the recall, although we have not found the number of units or the official reference.Repair: €0
What the MOT inspection finds on the Cupra Formentor
Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 442 inspections of 407 cars registered between 2020 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.
- Average
Suspension and axles· counts in the score
Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.6%.
- Average
Brakes· counts in the score
Defects in 1.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.5%.
- Average
Steering· counts in the score
Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.
- Fewer defects than average
Headlights and lights· counts in the score
Defects in 3.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7%.
- Average
Rust and bodywork· counts in the score
Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.
- Average
Exhaust and emissions
Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.
- Average
Fluid leaks
Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.
- Fewer defects than average
Glass, wipers and mirrors
Defects in 1.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.
- Average
Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance
Defects in 13.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 11.9%.
The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl
Checklist for buying a used Cupra Formentor
Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.
If it has the 2.0 TSI / TFSI (since 2020)
Thermostat housing leak and water pump failure
Medium severityPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failure
Low severityIf it has the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI (since 2020)
Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module
Medium severityCarbon build-up on the intake valves
Low severityWear parts for the Cupra Formentor
Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.
Brake pads
Brake discs
Wiper blades
Pollen filter
Battery
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Cupra Formentor reliable?
We have documented 2 engines for the Cupra Formentor and none has high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict. Away from the engine, the Cupra Formentor has racked up several safety recalls in its early years - airbag, seat belt, brakes and suspension - documented by the specialist British press, plus a recall for the engine cover. Spanish-language road tests flag no additional reliability problems beyond minor comfort points, and the car retains the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.
Which Cupra Formentor engine is the most reliable?
Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict. The sources consider the 1.5 TSI from 2020 onwards much more mature than those of 2017–2019, with few complaints of jerking.[1][2]
What problems does the Cupra Formentor have apart from the engine?
Away from the engine, the Cupra Formentor has racked up several safety recalls in its early years - airbag, seat belt, brakes and suspension - documented by the specialist British press, plus a recall for the engine cover. Spanish-language road tests flag no additional reliability problems beyond minor comfort points, and the car retains the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. The most important documented faults are: front airbag wiring fault (airbags and safety, critical severity), engine cover can come loose (bodywork and interior, high severity), risk of brake failure or leak (brakes, critical severity) and rear left wheel bearing housing may break (2023 recall) (suspension, critical severity).[3][4]
What faults does the Cupra Formentor have?
The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: thermostat housing leak and water pump failure (2.0 TSI / TFSI, medium severity), coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module (1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, medium severity), cold jerking at low speed ("kangaroo effect") on the 1.5 TSI evo (1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, low severity), PCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failure (2.0 TSI / TFSI, low severity) and carbon build-up on the intake valves (1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, low severity).
What is the best year to buy a Cupra Formentor?
According to our rating by year, the best are 2026, 2025, 2024 and 3 other years with the same rating (7.1/10); the worst rated is 2020 (7.0/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.
Does the Cupra Formentor have recalls?
Yes: we have documented 8 campaigns for the Cupra Formentor, such as recall for possible brake fluid leak in DSG versions (2024). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[3]
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Zuverlässigkeit der TSI-Motoren von 1.0 bis 2.0: welche Jahrgänge und Generationen Probleme machenAutohled · Motoring press · published 15 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Efecto canguro, el problema de los tirones en frío de los motores 1.5 TSI del Grupo VolkswagenSeis en Línea · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Used Cupra Formentor (Mk1, 2020-date) buyer's guide: stylish and family-friendlyAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
- El Cupra Formentor y el Polestar 2 obtienen la máxima calificación de seguridad en los test Euro NCAPBolsamanía · General press · published 3 March 2021 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 26 September 2026
- Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Motor 2.0 TFSI 190 CV (ficha técnica)km77 · Technical documentation · published 13 May 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- VW EA211: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 26 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Del 1.9 TDI al 1.5 TSI, así es el motor que ha cambiado la historia reciente de VolkswagenMotor.es · Motoring press · published 7 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- ¿Tu motor 1.5 TSI de Volkswagen sufre de tirones en frío? Llegan novedadesMotor.es · Motoring press · published 5 September 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Juddering VW Group cars: no end in sight for ownersAuto Express · Motoring press · published 31 July 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026