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Seat Tarraco problems (2018–today)

We have documented 2 engines and 1 gearbox for the Seat Tarraco; the DSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearbox has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI in its 1.5 TSI / 1.5 eTSI evo 114/130/150 hp (DPCA, DPBC; built from 2020) version, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Seat Tarraco is a reasonably reliable car, with one important warning: the 2026 recall for corrosion of the steering bolt covers practically its whole production up to 2024 and is worth checking. The other documented faults - brake pedal weld, engine cover and a seat frame - affected specific batches and should already have been resolved at official dealers.[3][4][5]

Seat Tarraco (2018–today)
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.8out of 10

Seat Tarraco rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 13 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine7.7From 7.7 to 7.7 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox8.4Manual: no faults · DSG7 DQ381/DQ500: 6.8
  • Suspension8.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes6.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights8.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment9.61 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior7.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety8.91 fault

Ranked 4 of 64 among the Mid-size SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Seat Tarraco

  1. 1Critical severity: Corrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rackSteering · free repair (recall)
  2. 2Critical severity: Brake pedal weld defectBrakes · free repair (recall)
  3. 3High severity: Mechatronic unit and oil pump failureDSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearbox · repair €1,300–€2,200
  4. 4High severity: The protective engine cover can come offBodywork and interior · free repair (recall)
  5. 5Medium severity: Jerking and juddering when pulling away and at low speedDSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearbox · repair €1,000–€2,000

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

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 buying

Outside the engine

4 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Recall for corrosion of the steering rack bolt. See the campaigns for the Seat Tarraco

21 sourcesHow we work

DSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearbox

Volkswagen Group DSG7 DQ381 (0GC) and DQ500 (0BH)

In the Tarraco
since 2018[6][7]
Names
2.0 TSI DSG-7 190/245 CV 4Drive · 2.0 TDI DSG-7 150/190/200 CV 4Drive
Faults that affect it
2 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
32
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • DSG7 DQ381 (0GC, since 2017)since 2017 · 0GC

    With caution

    Specialists describe it as an evolution of the DQ250 with the same design weak points, mechatronics and clutch wear, but to a lesser extent, and a German specialist expressly separates it from the DQ200: mechanical wear predominates, not a systemic electronic fault. It is worth checking the gearbox oil change history (the sources cite between 60,000 and 120,000 km depending on the case) and testing the car cold and warm before buying.[7][8][9]

Faults that affect the Tarraco

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The DSG7 DQ381/DQ500 has 3 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsMechatronic unit and oil pump failureYes, though less than on the dry DQ200: the mechatronic unit, which on the DQ381 includes an auxiliary electric oil pump, can fail and leave the gearbox in limp mode or without enough pressure. Specialists describe it as mechanical wear, not a systemic design defect.Repair (garage): €1,300–€2,200
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchJerking and juddering when pulling away and at low speedYes: like other dual-clutch gearboxes, the DQ381 and DQ500 can jerk or judder when pulling away and in heavy traffic, especially with a worn clutch or a cold gearbox. Several German specialists describe it as a known behaviour of these gearboxes, not always a serious fault.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000

Tarraco DSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the DSG7 DQ381/DQ500

1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI

Safest option

Volkswagen 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI (EA211 / EA211 evo) · Petrol

In the Tarraco
since 2018[10][11]
Name
1.5 TSI 150 CV
Faults that affect it
4
Risk index on this car
23
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Tarraco

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: RareElectronicsLack of torque on starting in the manual 150 hp 1.5 TSI (2019 recall)In 2019 Volkswagen, Seat and Škoda recalled 150 hp 1.5 TSI cars with a manual gearbox built in May and June 2019: when starting with a high electrical load, below 800 rpm, the engine could run out of torque to accelerate. It is fixed with a software update.
  4. 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

Tarraco 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI

2.0 TDI

Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo) · Diesel

In the Tarraco
since 2018[13][14]
Names
2.0 TDI 150 CV · 2.0 TDI 190 CV
Faults that affect it
2
Risk index on this car
23
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)since 2012 · 110–240 hp · CRBC, CUNA, CUPA, CRLB, CRMB, DFEA, DFEB, DFFA, DFGA, DDAA, DFCA, CUAA

    Buy

    Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[15]

Faults that affect the Tarraco

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TDI has 8 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant loss from the water pump or the coolersMany 2.0 TDI engines lose coolant. On the 150 hp EA288 the water pump is usually the culprit and, more rarely, the cylinder head; on the 140 hp EA189 the typical causes are the oil cooler or the EGR cooler.
  2. Low severityFrequency: RareTurboHissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDIOn the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2015-2019) a hissing sound can be heard when accelerating, caused by loose or damaged hoses or a crack in the intercooler. Often there is no loss of power and no warning light; oil stains reveal the crack.

Tarraco 2.0 TDI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TDI

Faults of the Seat Tarraco outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Seat Tarraco

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 792 inspections of 603 cars registered between 2018 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.6%.

    More defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 5.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.4%.

    Average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 1.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.1%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 13% of inspections; in cars of its age, 12.1%.

    Average

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 Seat Tarraco

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 DSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearbox (since 2018)

Mechatronic unit and oil pump failure

High severity

Jerking and juddering when pulling away and at low speed

Medium severity

If it has the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI (since 2018)

Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module

Medium severity

Cold jerking at low speed ("kangaroo effect") on the 1.5 TSI evo

Low severity

Lack of torque on starting in the manual 150 hp 1.5 TSI (2019 recall)

Medium severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves

Low severity

If it has the 2.0 TDI (since 2018)

Coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers

Medium severity

Hissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI

Low severity

Wear parts for the Seat Tarraco

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.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Seat Tarraco?

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Own a Seat Tarraco? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seat Tarraco reliable?

We have documented 2 engines and 1 gearbox for the Seat Tarraco; the DSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearbox has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI in its 1.5 TSI / 1.5 eTSI evo 114/130/150 hp (DPCA, DPBC; built from 2020) version, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Seat Tarraco is a reasonably reliable car, with one important warning: the 2026 recall for corrosion of the steering bolt covers practically its whole production up to 2024 and is worth checking. The other documented faults - brake pedal weld, engine cover and a seat frame - affected specific batches and should already have been resolved at official dealers.

Which Seat Tarraco engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI in its 1.5 TSI / 1.5 eTSI evo 114/130/150 hp (DPCA, DPBC; built from 2020) version, 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 Seat Tarraco have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Seat Tarraco is a reasonably reliable car, with one important warning: the 2026 recall for corrosion of the steering bolt covers practically its whole production up to 2024 and is worth checking. The other documented faults - brake pedal weld, engine cover and a seat frame - affected specific batches and should already have been resolved at official dealers. The most important documented faults are: corrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack (steering, critical severity), brake pedal weld defect (brakes, critical severity), the protective engine cover can come off (bodywork and interior, high severity) and cracks in the front seat frame (airbags and safety, high severity).[3][4][5]

What faults does the Seat Tarraco have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: mechatronic unit and oil pump failure (DSG7 DQ381/DQ500, high severity), jerking and juddering when pulling away and at low speed (DSG7 DQ381/DQ500, medium severity), coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers (2.0 TDI, medium severity), coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module (1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, medium severity) and cold jerking at low speed ("kangaroo effect") on the 1.5 TSI evo (1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, low severity).

What is the best year to buy a Seat Tarraco?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2026 and 2025 (8.1/10); the worst rated is 2020 (6.8/10). 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 Seat Tarraco have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 4 campaigns for the Seat Tarraco, such as recall for corrosion of the steering rack bolt (2026). 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.

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Volkswagen, Audi y Seat llaman a revisión 2,8 millones de coches por un posible fallo de direcciónMerca2 · General press · published 26 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Los SEAT Tarraco y Ateca, bajo sospecha de un defecto en el pedal del freno que podría causar accidentesMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 17 February 2021 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Used SEAT Tarraco (Mk1, 2018-date) reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Seat TarracoWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Probleme & Schwachstellen beim DSGGebrauchtwagenberater · Technical documentation · published March 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. VW, Skoda & Seat DSG Probleme: alle 6 und 7-Gang DQ GetriebeCarwiki · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. VW Tiguan II: Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Technical documentation · published September 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. VW EA211 evoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  11. VW, Seat und Skoda: Rückruf wegen Motorsoftware-Updatekfz-betrieb (Vogel Communications) · Motoring press · published 30 September 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  12. ¿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
  13. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  14. SEAT Tarraco - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  15. Fiabilité de l'Audi A3 (3e génération) : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 19 December 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  16. VW EA211: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 26 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  17. 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
  18. Juddering VW Group cars: no end in sight for ownersAuto Express · Motoring press · published 31 July 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026
  19. Llamadas a revisión de un vehículoDirección General de Tráfico (DGT) · Official body · published 18 June 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  20. Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  21. Volkswagen T6 - Zischende Geräusche aus dem Motorraum (2,0 TDI)HELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German