Cupra Born 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Cupra Born 1 is available with one engine variant at 150 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Cupra Elektro (Electric, 150–231 PS) comes with 3 different engines: EBJ (2021–2024, Be Careful) and EBJ (2021–2024, Be Careful) and EBJ (2022–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Elektro!
Explore more
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 12V Starter Battery — chronic discharge The Born's 12V auxiliary battery drains due to parasitic draw from dormant control units or a faulty charge management system. Overnight wallbox charging can allow a defective on-board charger to completely drain the 12V battery. Recovery required despite a full HV battery. Symptoms: Vehicle won't start despite full main battery; red 12V supply warning; all displays off; wallbox charges but car won't start from 30,000 km | Medium | |
| Infotainment Software Instability — MEB teething trouble The Born's MEB infotainment system crashes, shows black screens, and fails to connect to smartphones. Navigation often won't launch. Software updates improve the situation but rarely fix it permanently. Older model years no longer receive base software updates. Symptoms: Display black on start-up; navigation unresponsive; voice recognition fails; app connection drops; system restarts while driving | Medium | |
| On-Board Charger Failure — recall and long wait times The Born's integrated on-board charger (OBC) can fail and has been subject to recalls. Replacement parts were unavailable across Europe for months, leading to lengthy workshop stays. A faulty charger is often the root cause of the 12V issue. Symptoms: Charging aborts; charge point not recognised; actual charging power well below specification; charging system fault message from 20,000 km | High |
Test Reports
ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025
Among the lowest breakdown rates in the lower mid-size class for first registrations in 2022. As an electric vehicle it benefits from the generally lower breakdown frequency compared to combustion cars. Known issues from long-term tests are software crashes and weak DC charging performance.
2025-04autoflotte long-term test (3 years / 42,000 km)
No serious mechanical defects over the three-year fleet test. Main criticisms: DC charging performance falls short of specifications, service costs after 30,000 km surprisingly high. 12V battery caused one breakdown.
2025-11ÖAMTC auto touring long-term test (1 year)
Positive overall verdict after one year. No mechanical failures — only headlight alignment needed adjustment. Infotainment crashes with minutes-long black screen are the most notable issue. Driving dynamics and interior quality convincing.
2023-12Alternatives
BMW 2er U06
Compact (2022–2025)
Honda Civic Type R FL5
Compact (2022–2026)
Hyundai Elantra N CN7 N
Compact (2022–2025)
Opel Astra L
Compact (2022–2025)
Peugeot 408 E3
Compact (2022–2026)
Renault Megane V-EV
Compact (2022–2025)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Cupra Born 1 (2021–2024) — 3 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Cooling, Suspension, Brakes.
Born (EBJ, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: MEB Software Instability — Infotainment and Driver Assistance, 12V Starter Battery — chronic discharge and failure, Faulty On-Board Charger (OBC) — charging failure and recall. Power: 204 PS.
Born (EBJ, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: MEB Software Instability — Infotainment and Driver Assistance, 12V Starter Battery — chronic discharge and failure, Faulty On-Board Charger (OBC) — charging failure and recall. Power: 231 PS.
Born (EBJ, 2022–2024) — Be Careful: MEB Software Instability — Infotainment and Driver Assistance, 12V Starter Battery — chronic discharge and failure, Faulty On-Board Charger (OBC) — charging failure and recall. Power: 150 PS.
What to watch out for with the Cupra Born? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Cupra Born 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Cupra Born 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Cupra Born 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Cupra Born 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Cupra Born 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee