Used car guide · 2020–2024

Ford Kuga Mk3: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How every year of the Ford Kuga Mk3 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 37,796 MOT tests.

2022best year: 92% pass first time, 3 points above all 2022 cars
2021weakest year: 89% pass first time, 2 points above all 2021 cars
Brake discsthe weak spot that shows up in 3 different years

Year by year

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Ford Kuga Mk3, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

70%85%100%2020: 86% pass first time (all 2020 cars: 86%) 86% 2020*2021: 89% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) 89% 20212022: 92% pass first time (all 2022 cars: 89%) 92% 20222023: 94% pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%) 94% 2023
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
2020*86%86% +0Brake pads 1.8× usual11,120
202189%87% +2Brake pads 1.9× usual12,507
202292%89% +3Brake discs 1.8× usual13,628
202394%92% +2Brake discs 2.5× usual541

Weak spots across the Ford Kuga Mk3

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Brake discsup to 2.5× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2023, 2022, 2021.

    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.

  • Shock absorbersup to 3.8× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2022, 2021.

    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.

Known faults

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Plug-in hybrid battery recalls

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

    Check: Ask a Ford dealer to confirm every battery recall is done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review

  • Oil and fuel leak recall

    A 2022 recall covered leaks on Kugas built up to summer 2022.

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

    Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review

  • Glass roof recall

    A 2022 recall covered glass roofs that could come loose, mainly on 2021 cars.

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

    Source: Auto Express: used Ford Kuga Mk3 review

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

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