Part of the Ford Kuga Mk1 (2008–2012) guide: best and worst years compared.

Used car guide

2008 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Ford Kugas, from 2,148 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,148MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,700typical miles a year
1.7×the usual rate for brake pads

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Brake pads1.7× usual
    Ford Kuga
    15.2% All 2008 cars
    8.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2.1% of all 2008 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 rack inner joints2.9× usual
    Ford Kuga
    8.3% All 2008 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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.

  • Steering rack4.9× usual
    Ford Kuga
    5.4% All 2008 cars
    1.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.6% of all 2008 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.

  • Diesel smoke emissions6.2× usual
    Ford Kuga
    3.7% All 2008 cars
    0.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Anti-roll bar3.5× usual
    Ford Kuga
    2.1% All 2008 cars
    0.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 1.7% here, against 9.6% of all 2008 cars. Headlights: 4.8% here, against 10.7% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% 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
    37% 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
    30% 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
    28% 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
    16% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    15% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Ford Kuga?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023541Tyres 14%
202213,628Tyres 19%
202112,507Tyres 25%
202011,120Tyres 27%
201940,634Tyres 29%
201838,320Tyres 31%
201736,679Tyres 30%
201633,137Tyres 32%
201530,462Tyres 34%
201422,269Tyres 35%
201312,355Tyres 34%
20129,014Suspension 40%
20118,438Suspension 44%
20108,574Suspension 46%
20096,411Suspension 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Ford Kugas registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score