Ford Puma common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Ford Puma?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (1.0 EcoBoost)

  Cars registered 2019–2025 · 1.0 petrol (EcoBoost and non-turbo)

  Ford’s 1.0 three-cylinder petrol uses a timing belt that runs in the engine oil on most cars. If oil changes are late or the wrong oil is used, the belt breaks down and sheds rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some later cars have a timing chain instead: a Ford dealer can tell you from the VIN. Ford’s change interval is 10 years or 150,000 miles, and the belt isn’t covered by warranty.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history with the right oil, and when the belt was changed. An oil-pressure warning light, a rattle or a rough idle are warning signs.

  Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt

Common Ford Puma MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Rust in key structural areas

  up to 4.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings

  up to 2.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

  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.

• Flexible brake hoses

  up to 2.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Steering swivel joints

  up to 5.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2000 and 2001.

  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.

• Wheels

  up to 5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2001 and 2002.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999 and 2000.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Ford Puma MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2021 Ford Puma did best (92% passed first time, 5 points above all 2021 cars) and the 2023 did worst (95%, 3 points above all 2023 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Ford Puma

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

1. Has the timing belt been changed, and is there a full service history with the right oil?
2. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the Ford Puma as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Ford Puma as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Ford Puma as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?