Cupra Formentor (2020–today)Bodywork and interiorTailgate, bonnet and bodywork parts
Engine cover can come loose in the Cupra Formentor
In March 2022 Cupra recalled a series of Formentors because the plastic engine cover was not properly secured and could come loose while driving. Auto Express documents the recall without giving a unit figure.[1]
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency occasional: Auto Express includes this March 2022 recall in its buying guide without specifying the number of units or the production range; because it is an official recall (not just scattered cases on forums) and follows a pattern already seen on other Volkswagen Group models with engine covers and fairings, we treat it as occasional.[1]
Symptoms
Why it happens
Auto Express describes the problem as insufficient fixing of the plastic engine cover, without detailing whether the origin lies in the retaining clips or in an assembly error at the factory.[1]
If it is not repaired: If the cover comes off while driving, it can fall onto the road and pose a risk to vehicles travelling behind, as well as the part being lost and the engine bay left without that protection.[1]
Affected years and cars
Auto Express places the recall in March 2022 without specifying the production range or the number of Formentors affected.[1]
All faults of the Cupra Formentor by affected year
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Inspection of the engine cover fixing and replacement of the cover or its anchors if necessary, free of charge under the Cupra recall.[1]
There is no published cost for this repair outside the manufacturer's recall.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Check that the engine cover is properly seated and has no play, and ask the official service whether the car has already had this inspection.[1]
- Check the chassis number with the official Cupra service to confirm whether the car falls under the March 2022 recall.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Engine cover and anchors
It covers the engine bay for cosmetic and protective reasons; it is inspected or replaced when its fixing is insufficient.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- This is not a fault the owner can prevent: if the car falls under the recall, the solution is the manufacturer's free inspection.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
RecallCupra, según recopilación de Auto Express · March 2022
Recall for risk of the engine cover coming loose
An unspecified series of Cupra Formentors, according to the Auto Express buying guide. Inspection and reinforcement or replacement of the engine cover fixing free of charge at official dealers.[1]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Is it serious if the engine cover comes off?
It does not affect how the engine runs, but it is a risk to traffic if it falls off while driving, which is why the manufacturer treated it as a safety recall.[1]
How do I know whether my Formentor is affected?
Check the chassis number with the official Cupra service; Auto Express does not publish a production range for this March 2022 recall.[1]
How much does it cost to inspect or replace the cover?
Nothing under the official recall. There is no published price for doing it outside it.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other faults of the Cupra Formentor
- 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
- Critical 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
- Critical severityFrequency: RareBrakesRisk of brake failure or leakYes, in two separate recalls: in September 2021 Cupra recalled a series of Formentors over a risk of braking failure, and in January 2024 over a possible brake fluid leak in units with the DSG gearbox. Auto Express documents both without giving more technical detail or unit figures.Repair: €0
- Critical 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
The faults of its engines are on the Cupra Formentor page.
The same problem in other cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault Twingo IIIRisk of the bonnet, roof spoiler or rear window coming offYes: Renault recalled the Twingo III in 2016 and again in 2019-2021 over the risk of the bonnet coming loose while driving, and separately, up to the end of 2016, over the roof spoiler coming off and the rear window mountings; across the three campaigns several hundred thousand units were affected.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 CactusRisk of the bonnet opening while driving due to a mounting that could be improved (built 2014-2015)Citroën recalled the first C4 Cactus cars, built between March 2014 and September 2015, because the bonnet can open while driving owing to a mounting that could be improved, which blocks the driver's view.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTesla Model 3Recall for possible bonnet latch breakage at high speed (2022 European alert)In April 2022, an alert in the European product safety system (Safety Gate), submitted by France and also confirmed by the Netherlands, warned that the bonnet latch bolt on the Tesla Model 3 and Model S could fracture through vibration at high speed, letting the bonnet open while driving and block the driver's view.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW X6 G06Upper rear spoiler badly made or badly fixed, with a risk of coming offBMW has recalled the X6 twice over the upper spoiler on the tailgate: on cars from November 2019 to January 2020 the spoiler may have been badly made, and on others from June and July 2020 it may have been badly fixed. In both cases it can come off while driving and put the cars behind at risk.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Berlingo IIIEngine undertray can trap material (fire risk)A 2022 recall (ref. R2022299) covers Berlingo IIIs built between November 2017 and September 2021 whose lower metal engine undertray can trap material next to the exhaust, with a risk of fire.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 IRecall: the bonnet catch could openAccording to CarWiki, the German KBA lists a recall of the C4 because the bonnet catch could open unexpectedly; the source gives no dates or batch.
All faults with the tailgate, bonnet and bodywork (80)Cars with the most bodywork and interior problems
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Used Cupra Formentor (Mk1, 2020-date) buyer's guide: stylish and family-friendlyAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026