Cupra Formentor 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
390 PS
2.5L TFSI Benzin
Five-Cylinder Ecstasy in an SUV Coupé
Legendary!149–150 PS
1.5L TSI Benzin
4 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Cupra Formentor 1 is available with 8 engine variants — from 149 to 390 hp.
The Cupra TDI (Diesel, 150 PS) has the DTT (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Cupra TDI 4Drive (Diesel, 150 PS) has the DTT (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Cupra 1.5L TSI (Petrol, 149 PS) has the DPCA (1.5L TSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.
The Cupra 2.0 TSI 245 (Petrol, 245 PS) has the DNPA (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Cupra 2.0 TSI 4Drive (Petrol, 190 PS) has the DNNA (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.
The Cupra e-Hybrid (Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid, 245 PS) has the DGEA (1.4L TSI eHybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Cupra VZ (Petrol, 310 PS) has the DNFB (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Cupra VZ5 (Petrol, 390 PS) has the DNWB (2.5L TFSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Crashes — known group-wide issue The Formentor's infotainment system freezes daily, crashes multiple times and loses settings. Crashes happen up to several times a day — including on the motorway while driving. Driver assistance systems also drop out when this occurs. Symptoms: Display freezes; speedo goes dark on the motorway; system triggers automatic braking despite clear road; key recognition fails; reversing camera off | Medium |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report (Autobild Gebrauchtwagencheck)
Passes the first main inspection reliably. Weak points are oil leaks and slightly elevated brake disc wear, attributed to the car's sporting character. Lighting, steering, driveshafts and chassis show no notable defects.
2024-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025
Ranks among the more reliable models in the compact class. The entire VAG Group including Cupra shows high to very high reliability in breakdown callout statistics.
2025-04autozeitung.de used car check (TÜV Report)
Brakes and lighting score very reliably. Chassis springs and exhaust receive good marks. Brake disc wear slightly above average, likely due to spirited use. Isolated oil leaks known.
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 33 weaknesses have been documented for the Cupra Formentor 1 (2020–2024) — 28 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Body, Brakes, Other. Considered reliable: DPCA (1.5L TSI), DNNA (2.0L TSI).
Formentor (DTT, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: DPF Blockage from Short-Trip Driving, Oil Dilution from Incomplete DPF Regeneration, Oil-Bath Timing Belt for Oil Pump Drive. Power: 150 PS.
Formentor (DNFB, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Thermal Overload at 310–333 PS Tune, Oil Pump Starvation at High Performance Tune, DQ500 DSG Under High Torque — shudder and wear. Power: 310 PS.
Formentor (DNPA, 2021–2023) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure and Engine Overheating, Timing Chain Elongation at High Mileage, Oil Consumption from Piston Rings and Oil Separator. Power: 245 PS.
Formentor (DNWB, 2021–2023) — Be Careful: Stock Oil Pump — biggest weakness of the EA855 evo, Stuck Injectors — piston damage possible, Water Pump and Thermostat — Housing Cracks from Thermal Cycling. Power: 390 PS.
Formentor (DGEA, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: High-Voltage Battery Expensive and Without Capacity Guarantee, Recall: Short-Circuit and Fire Risk in High-Voltage System, Charging Abort at 230V Socket. Power: 150 PS.
What to watch out for with the Cupra Formentor? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee