2013 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Ford Kugas, from 12,355 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 2013 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Sub-frame3.4× usualFord Kuga12.5% All 2013 cars3.7%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.
- Brake pads1.6× usualFord Kuga15.3% All 2013 cars9.8%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.
- Position lamp1.6× usualFord Kuga6.3% All 2013 cars4%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.
- Steering rack inner joints1.8× usualFord Kuga3.9% All 2013 cars2.2%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.
Shock absorbers: 1.4% here, against 6% of all 2013 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.6% here, against 4.7% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Suspension30% 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.
- 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.
- Lights and electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks6% 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.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Coolant leak (1.6 EcoBoost)1.6 EcoBoost petrol
The 1.6 EcoBoost can leak coolant from the expansion tank. Early cars were recalled because the engine could crack if it overheated.
At the viewing: Check the coolant level and look for leaks. Ask Ford whether the recall was done.
- Jumping out of gearManual gearbox
The manual gearbox can jump out of first or second.
At the viewing: Accelerate firmly in first and second on the test drive.
- Creak when pulling away
A creak from the front when setting off usually means the driveshafts need resealing.
At the viewing: Listen as you pull away from a standstill.
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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% |
| 2012 | 9,010 | Suspension 40% |
| 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 2013 Ford Kugas registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score