2010 Ford Kuga petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Ford Kuga petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Ford Kuga petrol than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Ford Kuga

  16.6% All 2010 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Steering rack6.2× usual
  Ford Kuga

  6.2% All 2010 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 0.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2010 Ford Kuga petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Ford Kuga petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  24% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Ford Kuga petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2010 Ford Kuga petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 2010 Ford Kuga petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?