Used car guide · 2008–2026

Ford Kuga common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Ford Kuga, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 868,377 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2026 Ford Kuga

Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Ford Kuga as a whole.

13,078registered new in 2026 so far
2029first MOT due
Dieselmost common fuel (also petrol)
What to check on a 2026 car
  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008

Generation guides: Ford Kuga Mk1 (2008–2012) · Ford Kuga Mk2 (2013–2020) · Ford Kuga Mk3 (2020–2024)

What usually goes wrong with a Ford Kuga?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Oil pump belt that runs in oil (2.0 EcoBlue diesel)

    Cars registered 2018–2025 · 2.0 EcoBlue diesel (most Ford 2.0 diesels from about 2018)

    The 2.0 EcoBlue diesel drives its oil pump with a belt that runs in the engine oil. As it wears it can shed rubber and cut oil pressure, which can wreck the engine. Ford has shortened the change interval on the Transit to 6 years or 100,000 miles.

    At the viewing: Ask when the oil pump belt was last changed, and watch for an oil-pressure warning light.

    Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt

  • Coolant leak (1.6 EcoBoost)

    Cars registered 2013–2019 · 1.6 EcoBoost petrol

    The 1.6 EcoBoost can leak coolant from the expansion tank. Early cars were recalled because the engine could crack if it overheated.

    At the viewing: Check the coolant level and look for leaks. Ask Ford whether the recall was done.

    Source: Haynes: Ford Kuga (2013-2020) common problems

  • Plug-in hybrid battery recalls

    Cars registered 2020–2025 · 2.5 plug-in hybrid

    The 2.5 plug-in hybrid had three recalls in 2020 for its high-voltage battery, including overheating.

    At the viewing: Ask a Ford dealer to confirm every battery recall is done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review

  • Stiff brake pedal recall (2.0 diesel, built before Mar 2009)

    Cars registered 2008–2009 · 2.0 diesel, built before Mar 2009

    A faulty brake valve could stiffen the pedal and lengthen stopping distances on 2.0 diesels built before March 2009.

    At the viewing: Ask a Ford dealer to confirm the recall was done.

    Source: What Car?: used Ford Kuga (2008-2013) reliability

  • May have a timing belt that runs in oil (1.5 EcoBoost)

    Cars registered 2014–2025 · 1.5 EcoBoost petrol

    Ford used both wet timing belts and timing chains on its 1.5 EcoBoost petrol. A wet belt can break down if oil changes are late, starving the engine of oil. A Ford dealer can tell you from the VIN which this car has.

    At the viewing: Ask whether it has a belt or a chain, and for a full service history with the right oil.

    Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt

  • Jumping out of gear

    Cars registered 2013–2019 · Manual gearbox

    The manual gearbox can jump out of first or second.

    At the viewing: Accelerate firmly in first and second on the test drive.

    Source: Haynes: Ford Kuga (2013-2020) common problems

  • Oil and fuel leak recall

    Cars registered 2020–2025 · All engines

    A 2022 recall covered leaks on Kugas built up to summer 2022.

    At the viewing: Look and sniff for oil or fuel, and check the recall status.

    Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review

  • Glass roof recall

    Cars registered 2020–2025 · Cars with a glass roof

    A 2022 recall covered glass roofs that could come loose, mainly on 2021 cars.

    At the viewing: Check the roof's fit and seals, and the recall status.

    Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review

  • Clogged particulate filter (diesel)

    Cars registered 2008–2012 · Diesel

    Short, slow trips clog the particulate filter, which is expensive to replace.

    At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning.

    Source: What Car?: used Ford Kuga (2008-2013) reliability

  • Creak when pulling away

    Cars registered 2013–2019

    A creak from the front when setting off usually means the driveshafts need resealing.

    At the viewing: Listen as you pull away from a standstill.

    Source: Haynes: Ford Kuga (2013-2020) common problems

Common Ford Kuga MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Brake pads

    up to 1.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

    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.

  • Exhaust system

    up to 4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

  • Shock absorbers

    up to 4.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Number plates

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system

    up to 3.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2014 and 2015.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

  • Sub-frame

    up to 2.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Diesel

  • Brake pads

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    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.

  • Sidelights

    up to 3.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Engine oil leaks

    up to 2.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Shock absorbers

    up to 3.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Sub-frame

    up to 3.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system

    up to 3.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2014 and 2015.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

Hybrid

  • Brake discs

    up to 2.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Shock absorbers

    up to 2.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2020 and 2021.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Ford Kuga MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2013 Ford Kuga did best (72% passed first time, 5 points above all 2013 cars) and the 2011 did worst (61%, 1 point below all 2011 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202393%92% +11,419
202292%89% +328,082
202190%87% +342,414
202089%87% +245,754
201985%85% +0120,852
201885%83% +2114,082
201784%80% +4109,555
201680%77% +398,930
201577%74% +391,248
201473%70% +367,264
201372%67% +537,769
201264%64% +027,782
201161%62% -126,371
201059%60% -127,535
200959%59% +021,787
200860%57% +37,533

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Ford Kuga

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

  1. Has the oil pump belt been changed, and is there a full service history?
  2. Has the Ford recall for overheating on the 1.6 EcoBoost been done?
  3. Have all the battery recalls been done?
  4. Has the brake valve recall been done?
  5. Does it have a timing belt or chain, and when was the belt last changed?
  6. Has the leak recall been done?

Looking at a Ford Kuga?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score