Seat Tarraco
PHEV drive in the Tarraco: 1.4 TSI plus electric motor with 180 kW system output (245 hp). Monitor HV coolant circuit for losses; watch 12V battery and hybrid control unit. Same base as Leon PHEV with higher system output.
Tarraco e-Hybrid — pragmatically good
With 180 kW system output the Tarraco KN e-Hybrid is confidently powered. In everyday use the electric portion covers short trips, on the motorway the combustion engine handles relaxed motorway miles. Not a sports car, but a modern, well-motorised family SUV.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The DGEB PHEV in the Tarraco (245 hp system output) shares the well-known HV coolant circuit issue of the VAG PHEV platform. A defective heat exchanger between the air conditioning and HV cooling causes coolant loss and pressure problems. Repair around €400 plus labour.
Symptoms: Red warning triangle, hybrid fault message, vehicle won't start, HV reservoir coolant level dropped
After software updates, GPS errors can cause the driver assistance system to calculate an intersection on the motorway and initiate an emergency brake application. Software update by dealer required.
Symptoms: Unexpected braking on motorway, incorrect map display, GPS loss after tunnels
The DGEB PHEV in the Tarraco has no alternator. The 12V battery is supplied via the HV system. With purely electric use and no regular combustion engine operation phases, the 12V battery can run flat.
Symptoms: Keyless entry failure, starting difficulties, 12V battery warning, pre-conditioning not working
The Tarraco with DGEB occasionally shows hybrid control unit faults leading to warnings and electric drive failure. Software update or control unit replacement required. High-voltage work only at certified Level-3 workshops.
Symptoms: Hybrid drive fails, error message on display, vehicle runs on combustion engine only
The DQ400E three-clutch gearbox shows typical jerking when upshifting from 1st to 2nd gear and when switching between electric mode and combustion engine. Software updates help partially; Skoda often classifies this as normal operation.
Symptoms: Jerk on 1-2 gear change, clunking when switching between electric/combustion, rough drive during moderate acceleration
A software bug (recall action 90V7) causes sustained CAN bus current draw in standby, draining the 12V battery within days. The battery installed in the rear requires extensive removal/installation and costs around €500.
Symptoms: Vehicle won't start, numerous error messages on startup, 12V warning light
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
Two recalls: fractured seat bracket (303 vehicles, 2019) and TDI models with starting problems due to a defective engine control unit (2019).
Incorrectly fitted engine covers can melt on contact with hot engine components and cause a fire. Affected: production July 2020 to March 2022.
On DSG models from 2020–2021 the pedal plate can deform or detach. 1,780 vehicles affected in Germany.
The emergency braking assistant (Front Assist) in the Tarraco occasionally brakes hard in response to non-existent obstacles.
The air conditioning stops without warning and without an error message. Seat was in some cases unable to resolve the issue for 20 months.
On 2023 model year vehicles the serial number of the left rear door must be checked and replaced if necessary.
The EGR valve is prone to clogging from soot deposits, leading to an engine warning light and power loss. Predominantly affects vehicles with a high proportion of short trips.
The MIB3 system in the Tarraco shows software bugs: crashes, faulty reversing camera, and connectivity problems. Software updates fix most of the issues.
Water collects under the rubber seal of the rear light strip. It also appears as condensation days after rain.
