2010 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Ford Kugas, from 8,573 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Steering rack inner joints3.6× usualFord Kuga9.6% All 2010 cars2.7%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 pads1.6× usualFord Kuga14.7% All 2010 cars9.1%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 rack5.9× usualFord Kuga6.5% All 2010 cars1.1%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.
- Sub-frame1.6× usualFord Kuga11.3% All 2010 cars7%Rough price £300–£1,000
At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Diesel smoke emissions4.4× usualFord Kuga3.5% All 2010 cars0.8%Rough price £150–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.
Rigid brake pipes: 0.6% here, against 6.8% of all 2010 cars. Ball joint: 2.2% here, against 6.5% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Tyres37% 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 electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes26% 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 emissions13% 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.
- Steering12% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 40,621 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 38,315 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 36,676 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 33,137 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 30,459 | Tyres 34% |
| 2014 | 22,268 | Tyres 35% |
| 2013 | 12,355 | Tyres 34% |
| 2012 | 9,010 | Suspension 40% |
| 2011 | 8,436 | Suspension 44% |
| 2009 | 6,410 | Suspension 46% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Ford Kugas registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score