Cupra TDI
EA288 evo with SCR catalyst and twin dosing. 110 kW at 3,500–4,000 rpm, 360 Nm from 1,600 rpm. Economical long-distance engine.
Facelift Without DCC
Facelift TDI loses the optional DCC chassis, only torsion beam axle remains. A step backwards compared to pre-facelift — a pure rational choice for high-mileage drivers.
Engine Weaknesses 4
On trips under 20 km, the DPF does not regenerate fully. Soot loading above 24 g triggers regeneration, which aborts on short runs. Above 60 g the filter is considered failed and must be replaced.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, request to perform a regeneration run, power reduction, engine limp mode, engine warning light
Diesel enters the engine oil (fuel dilution) when DPF regeneration is not completed. Heavily diluted oil no longer lubricates adequately and can cause bearing and turbo damage. Short-trip drivers are particularly at risk.
Symptoms: Oil smells of diesel, oil level rises instead of dropping, turbo noises, later bearing failure
The EA288 drives the oil pump via a toothed belt running in an oil bath. No official replacement interval from VW. Belt degradation can produce fibrous sludge that blocks the oil pickup — in extreme cases resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
Symptoms: Dropping oil pressure, metallic noises on cold start, oil pressure warning; often no warning before engine failure
The EA288 has a complex two-stage EGR system (high- and low-pressure). Hairline cracks in the EGR cooler allow coolant to enter the exhaust tract. The EGR valve can seize due to soot deposits.
Symptoms: Engine misfires, white smoke, slow coolant loss with no visible leak, engine protection warning
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
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.
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.
The sealing issue on the boot and panoramic roof of the Formentor was not fundamentally resolved in the facelift. New models still show isolated water ingress identical to the pre-facelift generation.
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.
The well-known above-average Brembo disc wear carries over to the facelift. VZ buyers should expect shorter replacement intervals and higher brake costs compared to standard engine variants.
