2021 Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Ford Kuga ST-Line X Editions, from 630 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 2021 Ford Kuga ST-Line X Editions than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Shock absorbers6.5× usualFord Kuga ST-Line X Edition11% All 2021 cars1.7%
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) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
By area
The share of 2021 Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Brakes19% 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.
- Suspension13% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts5% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% 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.
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 ST-Line X Edition?
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 | 885 | Tyres 15% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Ford Kuga ST-Line X Editions registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score