Part of the Ford Kuga Mk3 (2020–2024) guide: best and worst years compared.
2023 Ford Kuga: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Ford Kugas, from 541 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 2023 Ford Kugas than on all cars registered in 2023.
- Brake discs2.5× usualFord Kuga5.9% All 2023 cars2.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt 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.
By area
The share of 2023 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres14% 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.
- Brakes7% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% 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 seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension1% 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.
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 recalls2.5 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.
- Oil and fuel leak recallAll 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.
- Glass roof recallCars 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13,628 | Tyres 19% |
| 2021 | 12,507 | Tyres 25% |
| 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 2023 Ford Kugas registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score