Cupra common problems and MOT failures
From 13,842 MOT tests in 2024, 7.1% of Cupra vehicles failed. Below are the most common reasons, ranked by how often they occur.
Top Cupra MOT failure reasons
| # | Problem | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyre tread depth outside legal limits | 251 |
| 2 | tyre seriously damaged | 242 |
| 3 | shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 162 |
| 4 | tyre cords visible or damaged | 105 |
| 5 | an srs malfunction indicator lamp (mil) indicates a system malfunction | 43 |
| 6 | windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 33 |
| 7 | suspension pin, bush or joint worn | 32 |
| 8 | brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 31 |
| 9 | wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 30 |
| 10 | engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 30 |
What this means if you're buying a Cupra
The single most common MOT failure for Cupra is tyre tread depth outside legal limits, accounting for 26% of all failure items. A set of new tyres typically costs £200–£500 depending on size.
These figures are from real MOT inspections — they show what testers actually find wrong with Cupra vehicles. If you're viewing a used Cupra, it's worth checking these areas specifically.
Buying a specific Cupra? Check the individual vehicle's MOT history for free on GOV.UK to see its actual test results, advisories, and mileage readings.
Check MOT history on GOV.UK