2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 1,779 MOT tests analysed for the 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, visibility and suspension. Its pass rate of 90.9% was in line with the average for cars of a similar age (91.2%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 12.3% in the 60-90k group versus 6.1% in the 0-30k group.

Pass rate

1,779

MOT tests analysed

9.1%

Fail rate

in line with

vs cars of similar age

3.5

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Tyres	4.8%	86
2	Visibility	2.4%	42
3	Suspension	2.0%	36
4	Brakes	1.9%	34
5	Lighting & signalling	1.8%	33
6	Seat belts & restraints	0.8%	14

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Tread depth	54
2	Shock absorbers	35
3	Brake pads	34
4	Washers	33
5	Headlamp aim	18
6	Wipers	17

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Tyres	22.3%	397
2	Brakes	11.8%	209
3	Suspension	10.5%	186
4	Other defects	7.0%	125
5	Visibility	2.3%	41
6	Lighting & signalling	0.8%	14

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 2021 Formentor V1 S-A
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
0-30k	888	6.1%
30-60k	814	12.2%
60-90k	73	12.3%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 2021 Formentor V1 S-A
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2024	853	7.5%
2025	898	10.8%

What to check before buying a 2021 Formentor V1 S-A

Before buying a 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 4.8% of tests for this year.

Tyres (4.8% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
Visibility (2.4% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
Suspension (2.0% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How many 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-As pass their MOT?

90.9% of the 1,779 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 9.1% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Cupra Formentor V1 S-A?

Tyres, recorded in 4.8% of tests, followed by visibility (2.4%).

Does the 2021 Formentor V1 S-A get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 6.1% in the 0-30k band to 12.3% in the 60-90k band.

Methodology & source. Based on 1,779 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.