2012 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Ford Kugas, from 9,010 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 2012 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Steering rack inner joints4.4× usualFord Kuga10.1% All 2012 cars2.3%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.
- Number plate lights1.6× usualFord Kuga12% All 2012 cars7.3%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Anti-roll bar link joints1.8× usualFord Kuga5.9% All 2012 cars3.2%Rough price £50–£150
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.
- Engine warning light1.6× usualFord Kuga2.8% All 2012 cars1.8%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Rigid brake pipes: 1% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars. Ball joint: 2.3% here, against 5.6% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension40% 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 electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes24% 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.
- 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks11% 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.
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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% |
| 2011 | 8,436 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 8,573 | Suspension 46% |
| 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 2012 Ford Kugas registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score