2008 Ford Kuga: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Ford Kuga?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Ford Kuga than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Ford Kuga

  15% All 2008 cars

  8.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.2% of all 2008 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.7× usual
  Ford Kuga

  7.4% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Steering rack4.9× usual
  Ford Kuga

  4.9% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Diesel smoke emissions7.2× usual
  Ford Kuga

  4.3% All 2008 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2008 Ford Kuga MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2008 Ford Kuga

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.

• Stiff brake pedal recall (2.0 diesel, built before Mar 2009)

  2.0 diesel, built before Mar 2009

  A faulty brake valve could stiffen the pedal and lengthen stopping distances on 2.0 diesels built before March 2009.

  At the viewing: Ask a Ford dealer to confirm the recall was done.

  Source: What Car?: used Ford Kuga (2008-2013) reliability

• Clogged particulate filter (diesel)

  Diesel

  Short, slow trips clog the particulate filter, which is expensive to replace.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning.

  Source: What Car?: used Ford Kuga (2008-2013) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Ford Kuga

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the brake valve recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2008 Ford Kuga as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2008 Ford Kuga as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2008 Ford Kuga as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?