Cupra Formentor Mk1 (2020-present) reliability
Cupra Formentor Mk1 built around 2021: more fails still not passed 3 days later
Cupra Formentor Mk1 models built around 2021 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Cupra Formentor Mk1?
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Key figure
3.6% of MOT tests on Cupra Formentor Mk1 models built around 2021 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 1.7%.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Cupra Formentor Mk1 models built around 2021 involves the tyres.
Based on 14,144 tests of Formentor models registered 2020+.
About 1 in 10 petrol Formentor cars registered in 2022 (10.5%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 7,202 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 30 Formentor Mk1 MOTs (3.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 4,653 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 25 Formentor Mk1 MOTs (4.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).
Based on 4,653 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 4 years old.
How the Formentor Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the Formentor 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.
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 Formentor 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 11.3% for the Cupra Formentor 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 11.3% for the Cupra Formentor 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 11.3% for the Cupra Formentor 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 11.3% for the Cupra Formentor 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 Formentor name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
How Formentor Mk1 cars have aged
How Formentor Mk1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Mk1 variants compared
Formentor Mk1 variants built around 2021
The fail rate for each Formentor Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- FORMENTOR V2 TSI S-A10.2%841 tests
- FORMENTOR V1 TSI S-A13.0%687 tests
- FORMENTOR VZ2 TSI 4DRIVE S-A9.9%615 tests
- FORMENTOR V2 TSI11.4%500 tests
- FORMENTOR V1 TSI10.2%420 tests
Hybrid electric
- FORMENTOR V2 PHEV S-A10.8%575 tests
- FORMENTOR V1 PHEV S-A14.3%350 tests
- FORMENTOR VZ2 PHEV S-A11.8%211 tests
Most common issues on Cupra Formentors of this age
This list covers every Cupra Formentor 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
- 119.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 214.1%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 38.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 47.4%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 56.5%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 4,653 tests
Looking at a Cupra Formentor 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 Formentor Mk1 (2020-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 4,653 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.