Used car guide

2009 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Ford Kugas, from 6,410 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

6,410MOT tests in 2025
59%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
7,900typical miles a year
3.6×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2009.

  • Steering rack inner joints3.6× usual
    Ford Kuga
    8.9% All 2009 cars
    2.5%
    Rough price £80–£450

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

  • Brake pads1.7× usual
    Ford Kuga
    15.2% All 2009 cars
    8.7%
    Rough price £80–£180

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

  • Steering rack6.3× usual
    Ford Kuga
    6.3% All 2009 cars
    1%
    Rough price £80–£450

    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 emissions5.4× usual
    Ford Kuga
    4.9% All 2009 cars
    0.9%
    Rough price £150–£1,200

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

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 1.2% here, against 7.5% of all 2009 cars. Ball joint: 2.6% here, against 6.6% of all 2009 cars.

By area

The share of 2009 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    46% 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
    31% 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.

  • 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    14% 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.

Looking at a Ford Kuga?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
201940,621Tyres 29%
201838,315Tyres 31%
201736,676Tyres 30%
201633,137Tyres 32%
201530,459Tyres 34%
201422,268Tyres 35%
201312,355Tyres 34%
20129,010Suspension 40%
20118,436Suspension 44%
20108,573Suspension 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Ford Kugas registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score