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SEAT · Known Issues

2018-2023 SEAT Tarraco Problems: 8 Known Issues

2018-2023 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018-2023 SEAT Tarraco has 8 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Cracked left front seat frame from manufacturing error ($0-$0 repair), Fuel tank wall below specified thickness — fire risk in a collision ($0-$0 repair), Head/curtain airbag inflator can shed fragments when deployed ($0-$0 repair), High-voltage system fuse can arc and start a fire (e-Hybrid PHEV only) ($0-$0 repair) and Brake pedal plate can detach from defective weld ($0-$0 repair). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Tarraco Safety/Recalls2
  • Tarraco Fuel System1
  • Tarraco Electrical1
  • Tarraco Brakes1
  • Tarraco Engine2
  • Tarraco Body/Panels1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls2
  • Fuel System1
  • Electrical1
  • Brakes1
  • Engine2
  • Body/Panels1
  • FAQ

All 8 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS202320222021202020192018

SEAT campaign 72J4 (DVSA recall r2019230, July 2019) covers Tarraco built 1–19 February 2019, where a manufacturing error may have left a crack in the frame/pan of the left front seat. A cracked seat frame compromises occupant restraint in a collision.

Common Symptoms

  • Possible creaking or movement from the driver's seat
  • No symptom in most cases

How to Fix

Free recall: dealer inspects the left front seat frame and replaces it if damage is found. Quote SEAT campaign 72J4 / DVSA r2019230. Only a three-week February 2019 build batch is affected — confirm by VIN.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

SEAT recalled Tarraco built 24 January 2019 to 25 February 2020 (DVSA record gives 30 Jan 2019 – 20 Feb 2020) because parts of the curtain (head) airbag inflator may detach when the airbag fires, throwing fragments into the cabin and injuring occupants. 682 vehicles worldwide; EU Safety Gate alert published December 2024, DVSA recall r2024116, SEAT campaign code 69FU. There is no driver-visible warning — an affected car behaves normally until a crash.

Common Symptoms

  • No symptom until deployment
  • Airbag warning light in some cases

How to Fix

Free recall: dealer replaces the curtain airbag module. Quote SEAT campaign 69FU / DVSA r2024116 and have the VIN checked at any SEAT dealer, as the recall applies only to specific VINs in the build window.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

DVSA recall r2020031 (February 2020) and EU Safety Gate alert (29 February 2020) cover Tarraco with fuel tanks whose walls may not be to the correct thickness. A thin-walled tank is more likely to rupture in a crash, raising the risk of fuel leakage and fire. The DVSA record gives an extremely narrow build window of 10–11 October 2019, so only a small batch is involved.

Common Symptoms

  • No symptom in normal use
  • Fuel smell or visible leak in the event of tank damage

How to Fix

Free recall: dealer inspects and replaces the fuel tank where required. Quote DVSA r2020031. Check by VIN — the affected build window is only two days wide, so most Tarraco are unaffected.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On Tarraco e-Hybrid plug-in models, the fuse in the high-voltage system was produced with an insufficient amount of arc-extinguishing sand. In a short circuit the fuse can arc-flash instead of cleanly interrupting the circuit, creating a fire risk. DVSA r2022088 covers build dates 19 December 2020 to 21 October 2021; the EU Safety Gate notification (SEAT code 93N9, alert A12/00697/22) gives a wider 18 September 2020 – 10 January 2022 window and covers 10,939 Leon and Tarraco hybrids worldwide. Conventional petrol and diesel Tarraco are not affected.

Common Symptoms

  • No advance warning
  • Burning smell or smoke from under the vehicle in a fault condition
  • High-voltage system fault warning

How to Fix

Free recall: dealer replaces the high-voltage fuse. Quote SEAT campaign 93N9 / DVSA r2022088. Only the 1.4 TSI e-Hybrid plug-in variant is in scope — verify by VIN.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

An EU Safety Gate recall notified 26 February 2021 covers Tarraco (and the closely related Ateca) built in 2020–2021 where defective welding may allow the brake-pedal plate to detach from the pedal arm. If the pedal pad separates the driver can lose the ability to brake. Reported as affecting roughly 5,500 Ateca and Tarraco combined.

Common Symptoms

  • Loose or moving brake pedal pad
  • Unusual play in the brake pedal
  • Complete loss of pedal in a failure

How to Fix

Free recall: dealer inspects the brake pedal assembly and replaces it where the weld is defective. Have the VIN checked at a SEAT dealer. Any looseness, movement or unusual flex felt in the brake pedal pad on a 2020–2021 car should be inspected immediately rather than driven on.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

DVSA recall r2022076 (March 2022) and EU Safety Gate alert (22 April 2022) cover Tarraco built 16 October 2020 to 14 February 2022 where the engine design covers could detach from their fixing points depending on driving conditions. A loose cover in the engine bay can foul moving components or hot surfaces.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattle or knocking noise from the engine bay
  • Visibly loose or displaced plastic engine cover

How to Fix

Free recall: dealer inspects and re-secures or replaces the engine cover fixings. Quote DVSA r2022076. If you hear rattling or knocking from the engine bay on an affected-build car, check that the plastic engine cover is still fully seated on all its mounting posts.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

SEAT issued recall 24EP (DVSA r2019305, September 2019) for Tarraco built 26 September 2018 to 7 June 2019: "at low engine speeds the engine produces insufficient torque". Owners describe this as a flat spot, lurching or kangarooing when moving off from junctions and in first/second gear, especially when cold — the same low-speed drivability complaint reported across VW Group cars using the 1.5 TSI EVO petrol. It is a calibration fault, not mechanical wear.

Common Symptoms

  • Hesitation pulling away from a junction
  • Kangarooing/lurching in first gear
  • Flat spot at low rpm
  • Jerky low-speed drivability when cold

How to Fix

Free recall: SEAT reflashes the engine control unit with updated software. Quote campaign 24EP / DVSA r2019305. If the car has already had 24EP and still hesitates, ask the dealer to confirm the latest ECU software level is installed, as VW Group released several successive updates for this complaint.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

DVSA recall r2023200 (July 2023) and the corresponding EU Safety Gate alert (31 July 2023) cover Tarraco built 13–26 January 2023 in which the welding points connecting the rear left door impact beam were insufficiently sized. This reduces the door's impact absorption and the general robustness of the structure in a side collision. A very small production batch.

Common Symptoms

  • No symptom in normal use — structural defect only

How to Fix

Free recall: dealer inspects and repairs or replaces the affected rear left door. Quote DVSA r2023200 and check by VIN — the build window is a two-week batch in January 2023.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common SEAT Tarraco problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018-2023 SEAT Tarraco has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cracked left front seat frame from manufacturing error, Fuel tank wall below specified thickness — fire risk in a collision, Head/curtain airbag inflator can shed fragments when deployed. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the SEAT Tarraco reliable?

The 2018-2023 SEAT Tarraco has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Cracked left front seat frame from manufacturing error and Fuel tank wall below specified thickness — fire risk in a collision and Head/curtain airbag inflator can shed fragments when deployed and High-voltage system fuse can arc and start a fire (e-Hybrid PHEV only) and Brake pedal plate can detach from defective weld. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common SEAT Tarraco problems?

Repair costs for known SEAT Tarraco issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Cracked left front seat frame from manufacturing error, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year SEAT Tarraco is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the SEAT Tarraco. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2018-2023 SEAT Tarraco with 8 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

What is the 2019 SEAT Tarraco Cracked left front seat frame from manufacturing error?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

SEAT campaign 72J4 (DVSA recall r2019230, July 2019) covers Tarraco built 1–19 February 2019, where a manufacturing error may have left a crack in the frame/pan of the left front seat. A cracked seat frame compromises occupant restraint in a collision. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2020 SEAT Tarraco Fuel tank wall below specified thickness — fire risk in a collision?

DVSA recall r2020031 (February 2020) and EU Safety Gate alert (29 February 2020) cover Tarraco with fuel tanks whose walls may not be to the correct thickness. A thin-walled tank is more likely to rupture in a crash, raising the risk of fuel leakage and fire. The DVSA record give… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2020 SEAT Tarraco Head/curtain airbag inflator can shed fragments when deployed?

SEAT recalled Tarraco built 24 January 2019 to 25 February 2020 (DVSA record gives 30 Jan 2019 – 20 Feb 2020) because parts of the curtain (head) airbag inflator may detach when the airbag fires, throwing fragments into the cabin and injuring occupants. 682 vehicles worldwide; EU… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2022 SEAT Tarraco High-voltage system fuse can arc and start a fire (e-Hybrid PHEV only)?

On Tarraco e-Hybrid plug-in models, the fuse in the high-voltage system was produced with an insufficient amount of arc-extinguishing sand. In a short circuit the fuse can arc-flash instead of cleanly interrupting the circuit, creating a fire risk. DVSA r2022088 covers build date… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2021 SEAT Tarraco Brake pedal plate can detach from defective weld?

An EU Safety Gate recall notified 26 February 2021 covers Tarraco (and the closely related Ateca) built in 2020–2021 where defective welding may allow the brake-pedal plate to detach from the pedal arm. If the pedal pad separates the driver can lose the ability to brake. Reported… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2022 SEAT Tarraco Engine cover can work loose and detach from its fixings?

DVSA recall r2022076 (March 2022) and EU Safety Gate alert (22 April 2022) cover Tarraco built 16 October 2020 to 14 February 2022 where the engine design covers could detach from their fixing points depending on driving conditions. A loose cover in the engine bay can foul moving… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2023 SEAT Tarraco Rear left door impact beam welds undersized — reduced side-impact protection?

DVSA recall r2023200 (July 2023) and the corresponding EU Safety Gate alert (31 July 2023) cover Tarraco built 13–26 January 2023 in which the welding points connecting the rear left door impact beam were insufficiently sized. This reduces the door's impact absorption and the gen… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2019 SEAT Tarraco Insufficient engine torque at low revs — hesitation/kangarooing pulling away?

SEAT issued recall 24EP (DVSA r2019305, September 2019) for Tarraco built 26 September 2018 to 7 June 2019: "at low engine speeds the engine produces insufficient torque". Owners describe this as a flat spot, lurching or kangarooing when moving off from junctions and in first/sec… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.