2018 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Ford Kugas, from 38,315 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 2018 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2018.
- Brake pads1.5× usualFord Kuga16.7% All 2018 cars11%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.
- Number plates1.6× usualFord Kuga2.8% All 2018 cars1.7%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Engine oil leaks1.8× usualFord Kuga2.5% All 2018 cars1.4%Rough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
By area
The share of 2018 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Brakes23% 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.
- Suspension6% 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.
- 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.
- Lights and electrics6% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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% |
| 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% |
| 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 2018 Ford Kugas registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score