Used buying checklist
Ford Kuga reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Ford Kuga looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 14.0% of 298,478 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 14.0% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 55,592 miles
- 41,646 failed MOT tests analysed
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest area to check
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (7.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include items removed from drivers view prior to test, damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view, and does not clear the windscreen effectively.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- Items removed from drivers view prior to test
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- does not clear the windscreen effectively
- provides insufficient washer liquid
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- ferrule excessively corroded
- ball joint has excessive play
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
Focus on windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering
The model's recorded failure rate is 14.0%, -4.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed298,478 tests
- Median tested mileage55,592 miles
- Failed MOT tests41,646
Should you buy a used Ford Kuga?
86.1% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 14.0%, -4.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering
- windscreen, wipers, and mirrors appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "Items removed from drivers view prior to test"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (7.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Ford Kuga, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
The MOT failure rate rises from 6.5% at 0-3 years to 23.7% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (4.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (4.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford Kuga, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (7.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Ford Kuga mainly involve 6 areas: mixed recall notices, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford Kuga, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, tyres and wheels, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 128,463 | 112,212 | 9.1%-1.7 percentage points vs all models | 33,734 miles |
| 50-100k | 125,220 | 102,699 | 15.6%-5.1 percentage points vs all models | 69,239 miles |
| 100-150k | 37,594 | 28,279 | 23.5%-2.7 percentage points vs all models | 116,140 miles |
| 150-200k | 5,364 | 4,006 | 25.1%-2.2 percentage points vs all models | 162,713 miles |
| 200k+ | 430 | 318 | 25.1%-1.4 percentage points vs all models | 211,532 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Ford Kuga, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 6.5% at 0-3 years to 23.7% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 23.7% for 15+ years cars, based on 1,147 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
600 | 562 | 6.5%-1.9 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
113,753 | 99,407 | 9.6%-1.0 percentage points vs all models | 4.9 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
125,981 | 106,221 | 13.6%-3.0 percentage points vs all models | 7.8 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
56,997 | 42,042 | 23.3%-0.2 percentage points vs all models | 12.2 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
1,147 | 892 | 23.7%-2.2 percentage points vs all models | 15.2 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2027-02-03 | 25C79 Kuga - Powertrain Control Module Software Update On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 25C79 may not have been delivered properly and the Powertrain Control Module software may deliver lower power output than intended. Update the Powertrain Control Module software and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly. |
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| 2026-04-15 | 26S10 - Kuga Ranger - Potential Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Failure On affected vehicles the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve may fail leading to weak acceleration engine vibration a no start condition or a loss of power. A remedy is not currently available. The manufacturer is working to provide a software update to prevent this failure. Should you experience EGR failure contact your dealer immediately. |
| 2025-11-04 | 25SC4 Kuga - Do not charge high voltage battery to levels above 80% Ford constantly monitors production processes and vehicles in service. While monitoring vehicles in operation we have become aware of a number of Kuga PHEV vehicles on which the high voltage battery may have some cells that could potentially develop an internal short circuit. In the event of a high voltage battery cell internal short circuit the customer will experience a Stop Safely Now message and warning icon in the instrument cluster. The customer may also experience a loss of motive power increasing the risk of an accident. The customer will continue to have 12-volt (V) accessories steering and braking control. The customer may also experience battery thermal venting potentially resulting in a vehicle fire increasing the risk of injury. Although customers may recall our previous communication about a similar issue under Field Service Action (FSA) 24S79 all customers will need to follow these new instructions regardless of whether that prior action was completed on their vehicles. Ford engineers are working on the development of a remedy for this issue. While Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving until a remedy becomes available to mitigate the risk Ford will ask all affected customers to ONLY use the default Auto EV mode and avoid deep mud and snow modes until further notice. Ford will also send customers a letter instructing them not to charge their High-Voltage Battery above 80%. To make it easier for customers to limit the charge Ford will include with this letter a leaflet containing clear instructions on how to set the limit using the in-vehicle screen or via the Ford App. Once a remedy is available Ford will send customers a follow up letter instructing them to contact their dealer to schedule an appointment in order for the fix to be deployed on their vehicle. |
| 2025-09-15 | 25S61 – Kuga – Cylinder head replacement On affected vehicles the cylinder head may have loose ball plugs. This condition may result in a rapid oil leak if a ball plug comes out of the cylinder head. Replace the cylinder head. |
| 2025-09-08 | CrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event. Update the vehicle software to the latest level. |
| 2025-07-07 | 25S54 Kuga S-Max and Galaxy - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update Certain Kuga S-Max and Galaxy vehicles equipped with a 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine may not have the remedy for Safety Recall 23S27 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct software update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition specified in Safety Recall 23S27 potential under hood fire may still exist. Dealers are to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Ford Kuga. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Ford reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.