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Cupra · Compact SUV · 2024–2026 Custom Search

Cupra Formentor 1-FL

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.4 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

310–333 PS

2.0L TSI Benzin

Comparison Test Winner with Sharp Tuning

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

149–176 PS

1.5L TSI eHybrid Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


Engine Overview

The Cupra Formentor 1-FL is available with 7 engine variants — from 149 to 333 hp.

TDI · Diesel· 150 PS
2024 2026
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.5L eTSI · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 149 PS
2024 2026
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0 TSI 265 · Petrol· 265 PS
2024 2026
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0 TSI 4Drive · Petrol· 203 PS
2024 2026
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
e-Hybrid · Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid· 204 PS
2024 2026
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
VZ · Petrol· 333 PS
2024 2026
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
VZ e-Hybrid · Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid· 272 PS
2024 2026
Good Choice 3 weaknesses

The Cupra TDI (Diesel, 150 PS) has the DTT (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Cupra 1.5L eTSI (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 149 PS) has the DXD (1.5L eTSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Cupra 2.0 TSI 265 (Petrol, 265 PS) has the DNPA (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Cupra 2.0 TSI 4Drive (Petrol, 203 PS) has the DNPA (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Cupra e-Hybrid (Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid, 204 PS) has the DUC (1.5L TSI eHybrid) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Cupra VZ (Petrol, 333 PS) has the DNFB (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Cupra VZ e-Hybrid (Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid, 272 PS) has the DUC (1.5L TSI eHybrid) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Facelift Software — severe electronics issues after update

The 2024 Formentor facelift launched with serious software problems. Cupra withdrew software version 1899 after a short time. Version 1900 reportedly also contains numerous bugs. Dealers replace control units as a stopgap measure.

Symptoms: Complete system failure; all driver assistance off; KESSY not working; infotainment permanently frozen; vehicle not driveable
Medium
Total Driver Assistance Failure — ongoing issue even post-facelift

All driver assistance systems (Front Assist, lane keeping, blind spot, Travel Assist) sporadically drop out completely while driving. Restarting does not always help. The cause is often the steering wheel control unit or dirty radar sensors. Workshop visits frequently bring only temporary improvement.

Symptoms: All driver assistance systems deactivated simultaneously; multiple fault messages on display; no ACC and no lane-keep assist available; sometimes functional again after restart
Medium
!Steering Wheel Buttons Non-Functional — capacitive system faulty

As with the Leon Facelift, the capacitive steering wheel buttons frequently fail to respond. The touch sensors do not reliably detect input. Steering wheel replacement has been performed as a fix but the problem can return after a short time.

Symptoms: Steering wheel buttons unresponsive; cruise control and volume not adjustable; steering wheel heater activating on its own
Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Cupra Formentor 1-FL (2024–2026) — 19 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Body. Considered reliable: DUC (1.5L TSI eHybrid).

Formentor (DTT, 2024–2026) — 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 (DNPA, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure and Engine Overheating, Timing Chain Elongation at High Mileage, Oil Consumption from Piston Rings and Oil Separator. Power: 203 PS.

Formentor (DNPA, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure and Engine Overheating, Timing Chain Elongation at High Mileage, Oil Consumption from Piston Rings and Oil Separator. Power: 265 PS.

Formentor (DNFB, 2024–2026) — 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: 333 PS.

Formentor (DXD, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Belt Starter-Generator (48V BSG) Failure, 48V Lithium-Ion Battery — Capacity Loss and Failure, DQ200 DSG Juddering and Shift Issues. Power: 149 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Cupra Formentor 1-FL have? +
The Cupra Formentor 1-FL has 19 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Cupra Formentor 1-FL? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: DUC (1.5L TSI eHybrid). The most reliable engine is the DUC (1.5L TSI eHybrid) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the DNFB (2.0L TSI).
Which Cupra Formentor 1-FL engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Cupra Formentor 1-FL. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Cupra Formentor 1-FL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Cupra Formentor 1-FL — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The Formentor VZ wins comparison tests against the AMG GLA 35 and T-Roc R — thanks to more agile steering, sharper turn-in and consistent sports tuning. 310 PS with AWD and DSG: a real pleasure on a country road, even if the DSG occasionally hesitates.
Is the Cupra Formentor 1-FL worth buying used? +
The Cupra Formentor 1-FL is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Cupra Formentor 1-FL? +
The Cupra Formentor 1-FL is available with engine variants from 149 to 333 hp. Petrol: DXD (1.5L eTSI), DUC (1.5L TSI eHybrid), DNPA (2.0L TSI), DNFB (2.0L TSI). Diesel: DTT (2.0L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee