Cupra Ateca Mk1 (2018-present) reliability
Cupra Ateca Mk1 built around 2021: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Cupra Ateca Mk1 models built around 2021 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Cupra Ateca Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 781 tests of Ateca models registered 2018+.
About 1 in 9 petrol Ateca cars registered in 2022 (11%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 592 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
Mk1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 4 years old.
How the Ateca Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the Ateca Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 5,479 tests across 3 Cupra models, built around 2021 (4 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other SUVs to compare
Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Ateca Mk1.
- 1
Lexus UX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.7%
- Dangerous
- 1.8%
Lower fail rate: 6.0%, against 12.5% for the Cupra Ateca Mk1, both built around 2021.
4,973 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 5.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.5%
- Dangerous
- 1.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 5.1%, against 12.5% for the Cupra Ateca Mk1, both built around 2021.
1,784 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Toyota Yaris Cross
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 1.2%
Lower fail rate: 7.0%, against 12.5% for the Cupra Ateca Mk1, both built around 2021.
1,425 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Suzuki Vitara
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.5%
- Dangerous
- 2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.9%
Lower fail rate: 7.5%, against 12.5% for the Cupra Ateca Mk1, both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,708 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Cupra Ateca name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
Most common issues on Cupra Atecas of this age
This list covers every Cupra Ateca built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 116.4%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 214.9%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 39.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 47.2%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 53.9%Advisory
Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Based on 208 tests
Looking at a Cupra Ateca Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Cupra Ateca Mk1 (2018-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 208 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.