Cupra Recalls 920 Ateca, Formentor, Leon and Terramar in Australia Over Steering Software Fault

Image credit: Cupra Australia

Volkswagen Group Australia (which distributes Cupra in this country) has issued a product-safety recall covering 920 Cupra vehicles over an electric power-steering software fault. Four models are affected: the Ateca SUV, Formentor SUV, Leon hatch and the newer Terramar SUV. The affected build window is 2024 to 2026.

Importantly, the Cupra Tavascan EV, Born EV and Leon Sportstourer wagon are not currently affected. The fix is a free software update at any Cupra Service Partner.

What's actually going wrong

Per the official Cupra recall notice issued by VGA: "Due to a software issue, the electric power steering system under certain driving conditions may become temporarily inoperable."

Cupra is careful to note that steering will remain functional if the fault occurs — you don't lose the ability to steer the car. What you do lose is the electric power-steering assistance, which means the driver "may experience a noticeable increase in steering effort, particularly when cornering."

Cupra acknowledges in the notice that "a sudden increase in steering effort could increase the risk of an accident-causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users." That is the legal language that sits behind any product-safety recall in Australia. In practice, the failure mode is similar to driving a car that's lost power steering altogether: still drivable, but heavier than expected at the wheel, especially in tight turns or parking.

Image credit: Cupra Australia

Which Cupras are affected

The Cupra Leon Sportstourer wagon, Tavascan EV and Born EV are not on the current affected list.

What to do if you own an affected Cupra

1. Check your VIN. Cupra Australia is contacting affected owners directly, but you can also check by phone (1800 879 112) or via the official ACCC product safety recall lookup at productsafety.gov.au. Your local Cupra Service Partner can also confirm.
2. Book a software update. The fix is a software-only update which takes well under an hour in most cases. Free of charge. Any Cupra Service Partner can do it.
3. Drive with extra care in the meantime. Steering remains functional even if the fault occurs. The risk is the sudden increase in steering effort surprises you, particularly in tight turns and parking. Allow extra space, slow down in corners, expect the wheel to feel heavier than usual.

Cupra Australia contact

Cupra Recall Campaign Hotline: 1800 879 112

The official recall is published on the ACCC product safety register and via Cupra Australia's website. We'll update this article if the VIN range or model scope expands.

See also: Hyundai/Kia/Genesis ICCU Warranty Extended to 15 Years | 11 Non-Chinese Cars Built in China (Cupra Tavascan included).