Cupra Born Mk1 (2021-present) reliability
Cupra Born Mk1 built around 2022: more dangerous faults than average
Testers find a dangerous fault on Cupra Born Mk1 models built around 2022 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Cupra Born Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
5% of MOT tests on Cupra Born Mk1 models built around 2022 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 3% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Cupra Born Mk1 models built around 2022 involves the tyres.
Based on 3,300 tests of Born models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 10 electricity Born cars registered in 2022 (9.5%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 4,289 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 50 Born Mk1 MOTs (1.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2022 (3 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 3,300 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 20 Born Mk1 MOTs (4.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2022 (3 years old).
Based on 3,300 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
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 3 years old.
How the Born Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the Born Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 14,250 tests across 4 Cupra models, built around 2022 (3 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.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Brakes
Worth checkingInspect the brakes carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
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.
Headlight aim
If you have timePark facing a wall at night and check the beam pattern is even and at the right height.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Born Mk1.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7%
Lower fail rate: 7.0%, against 9.3% for the Cupra Born Mk1, both built around 2022.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,689 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Cupra Born Mk1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
35,996 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 3
Volkswagen E-Up
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.6%
No clear edge over the Cupra Born Mk1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,385 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 4
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
No clear edge over the Cupra Born Mk1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
5,171 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- 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
2 recalls in allBoth Born Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 1 more
Top concerns
- High-voltage modules replacement
- Charging limitation to 80%
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Mk1 variants compared
Born Mk1 variants built around 2022
The fail rate for each Born Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Electricity
- BORN V2 EV6.8%1,493 tests
- BORN V1 EV10.5%1,075 tests
- BORN V3 EV12.6%730 tests
Most common issues on Cupra Borns of this age
This list covers every Cupra Born built around 2022, 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
- 126.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 25.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 34.4%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 41.1%Advisory
Headlamp aimed too low or out of line
- 51.0%Advisory
Braking effort varies slightly
Based on 3,300 tests
Looking at a Cupra Born Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2022 (3 years old), the Cupra Born Mk1 (2021-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,300 3-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.