2012 Ford Kuga: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Ford Kuga?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Ford Kuga than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Steering rack inner joints3.8× usual
  Ford Kuga

  7.5% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 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.

• Coil springs1.6× usual
  Ford Kuga

  13.3% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Number plate lights1.6× usual
  Ford Kuga

  10.7% All 2012 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.6× usual
  Ford Kuga

  4.9% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Ford Kuga MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Ford Kuga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  24% 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
  23% 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.

• Steering
  9% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% 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 2012 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.

• 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 2012 Ford Kuga

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

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2012 Ford Kuga as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2012 Ford Kuga as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2012 Ford Kuga as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?