2021 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Ford Kugas, from 12,507 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

12,507MOT tests in 2025

89%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)

8,200typical miles a year

1.9×the usual rate for brake pads

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2021.

Brake pads1.9× usual

Ford Kuga
12.6% All 2021 cars
6.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
Shock absorbers3.8× usual

Ford Kuga
6.5% All 2021 cars
1.7%

Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
Brake discs1.7× usual

Ford Kuga
12% All 2021 cars
7.1%

Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.
Anti-roll bar link joints11× usual

Ford Kuga
2.2% All 2021 cars
0.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

By area

The share of 2021 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Tyres

25% 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.
Brakes

20% 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.
Suspension

9% 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 mirrors

5% of testsRough price £15–£250

At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Seats and seatbelts

4% of testsRough price £80–£250

At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Lights and electrics

3% of testsRough price £10–£80

At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

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.

Plug-in hybrid battery recalls
2.5 plug-in hybrid
The 2.5 plug-in hybrid had three recalls in 2020 for its high-voltage battery, including overheating.

At the viewing: Ask a Ford dealer to confirm every battery recall is done.

Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review
Oil and fuel leak recall
All engines
A 2022 recall covered leaks on Kugas built up to summer 2022.

At the viewing: Look and sniff for oil or fuel, and check the recall status.

Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review
Glass roof recall
Cars with a glass roof
A 2022 recall covered glass roofs that could come loose, mainly on 2021 cars.

At the viewing: Check the roof's fit and seals, and the recall status.

Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review

Looking at a Ford Kuga?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2023	541	Tyres 14%
2022	13,628	Tyres 19%
2020	11,120	Tyres 27%
2019	40,634	Tyres 29%
2018	38,320	Tyres 31%
2017	36,679	Tyres 30%
2016	33,137	Tyres 32%
2015	30,462	Tyres 34%
2014	22,269	Tyres 35%
2013	12,355	Tyres 34%
2012	9,014	Suspension 40%
2011	8,438	Suspension 44%
2010	8,574	Suspension 46%
2009	6,411	Suspension 46%
2008	2,148	Suspension 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Ford Kugas registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score