Cupra Formentor vs DS DS 7 Crossback: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Cupra Formentor (7.0/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the DS DS 7 Crossback (4.6/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Cupra Formentor | DS DS 7 Crossback |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Compact SUV | Compact SUV |
| Years | 2020–today | 2017–2022 |
| MotorFiable Score | 7.0 out of 10 | 4.6 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 7.6/10 | 3.3/10 |
| Most recommended engine | 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI · Buy | EAT6/EAT8 gearbox · With caution |
| Score for the rest of the car | 6.4/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Suspension | 8.3 out of 101 faultCritical severity | 7.0 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
| Brakes | 8.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity | 7.6 out of 100 faults |
| Tyres and wheels | No documented faults | 8.6 out of 101 faultMedium severity |
| Headlights and lights | 8.3 out of 100 faults | 7.8 out of 102 faultsHigh severity |
| Bodywork and interior | 7.6 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 7.5 out of 100 faults |
| Airbags and safety | 6.4 out of 102 faultsCritical severity | 8.6 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Cupra Formentor
Outside the engine
- 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: OccasionalBodywork and interiorEngine cover can come looseIn 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.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
In their engines
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TSI / TFSIThermostat 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.
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSICoolant 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 frequent1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSICold 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.
Main faults of the DS DS 7 Crossback
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionRecurring rear axle mounting problems across three successive campaigns (2019-2023)DS has recalled the DS7 Crossback in three successive campaigns over rear axle mounting problems: an unstable mounting (built 2019-2020), cracks on the hybrid version (2020) and a badly fitted adjustment element with a risk of loss of control (2022-2023).
- Critical severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetyIncorrect or poorly secured airbag parts in two campaigns (2017-2018 and 2021)DS has recalled the DS7 Crossback in two airbag campaigns: one over an incorrect part fitted in the airbag device (built 2017-2018) and another over an incorrect mounting of the curtain airbags that could cause them to be ejected (built March-September 2021).
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsWater ingress into the rear lights due to inadequate sealingSeveral DS7 Crossback owners, with different engines, document water getting into the rear lights because of inadequate sealing, with visible condensation and a risk of the light unit failing.
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechExcessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failureThe 2014 to 2023 1.2 PureTech turbos can use too much oil: those from 2014-2018 through carbon blocking the piston rings and those from 2018-2023 through a defective oil separator. Stellantis considers more than 0.3 l per 1,000 km abnormal and includes it in its cover.