Image credit: Cupra Australia
Recall summary
- 1,102 vehicles affected in Australia, built 2024 to 2026
- Models: Ateca, Formentor, Leon, Terramar
- Fault: software issue can disable electric power steering assistance in certain conditions
- Effect: steering still works but feels much heavier, particularly mid-corner
- Fix: free software update at any Cupra Service Partner
- Hotline: 1800 879 112
Volkswagen Group Australia (which distributes Cupra in this country) has issued a product-safety recall covering 1,102 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 and Born EV are not named on the notice. The notice names the Leon without a body style, so if you own a Leon Sportstourer wagon, run your VIN. 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
| Model | Variants | From RRP |
|---|---|---|
| Cupra Ateca | V, VZx | $54,990 |
| Cupra Formentor | V, VZe, VZx | $54,990 |
| Cupra Leon (hatch) | S, VZx | $44,990 |
| Cupra Terramar | S, V, VZe, VZ | $44,990 |
The Cupra Leon Sportstourer wagon, Tavascan EV and Born EV are not named on the notice as published. The notice says Leon without naming a body style, so Sportstourer owners should check their VIN.
What to do if you own an affected Cupra
- Check your VIN. Cupra Australia is contacting affected owners directly, but you can also check by phone (1800 879 112) or via the official notice, REC-006608 on vehiclerecalls.gov.au. Your local Cupra Service Partner can also confirm.
- Book a software update. The fix is a software update, free of charge. Any Cupra Service Partner can do it.
- 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 REC-006608 (campaign 48T5) on the federal Vehicle Recalls register, vehiclerecalls.gov.au. 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).
Disclaimer: Recall details are sourced from Volkswagen Group Australia's official Cupra recall notice REC-006608, published on the federal Vehicle Recalls register (vehiclerecalls.gov.au). Affected VIN ranges and model scope are accurate at time of publishing and may change if the recall is extended. Always confirm individual vehicle status with Cupra Australia (1800 879 112) or via your authorised Cupra Service Partner using your VIN. Read our methodology for how we source and verify recall data.