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Ford Kuga Common Faults
The Ford Kuga has been one of the UK’s best-selling family SUVs since 2008.
Fans describe the vehicle as practical, good-looking and nice to drive. However, certain engines and trims have built up a clear pattern of recurring issues.
Some faults are simple wear-and-tear, whereas others are recall-level problems.
Ford Kuga Generations at a Glance
- Mk1 (2008–2012). Older now, so faults tend to be age and maintenance related. Typically suspension wear, diesel emissions and electronics.
- Mk2 (2013–2020). Known issues include clutch pressure plate failures on some EcoBoost manuals and overheating/coolant-loss issues on early 1.6 petrols.
- Mk3 / PHEV (2020–present). Common faults revolve around the electrical/infotainment glitches. These include gearbox complaints and several major recalls.
Kuga Issues Cheat-Sheet
Below are the most common fault patterns by era:
- 2013–2020 (Mk2)
- Clutch pressure plate fracture risk on some manual EcoBoosts
- 1.6 EcoBoost overheating / cylinder-head recall on early cars
- Diesel DPF and EGR clogging on stop-start use
- Non-engine electrics and infotainment niggles
- 2020–present (Mk3 / Hybrid)
- Electrical drain / alternator and battery issues
- Jerky or hesitant PowerShift / automatic behaviour
- PHEV high-voltage battery fire-risk recalls
- eCall / ADAS software recalls
Ford Kuga Fast Diagnosis Table
| Symptom | Likely cause(s) | First step(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Burning clutch smell, slipping or loud thud/bang | Clutch pressure plate overheating or fracture | Stop driving hard and check recall status. Possible dealer clutch/software fix |
| DPF warning light, limp mode | DPF clogging from short trips | Scan codes. Forced regen/clean if needed |
| Rough idle / power loss | EGR valve clogging, turbo wear, injector faults | Diagnostic scan. Inspect EGR/turbo pipes. |
| Sudden overheating / coolant smell | Coolant leak or overheating issues | Pressure test cooling system. Check hoses and/or sensor updates |
| Random warning lights / no-start after short trips | Battery drain, or, alternator failure. | Battery/charging test. Inspect alternator output and earths. |
| Wet carpets / misty windows | Blocked sunroof drains or door-seal leaks | Clear drain lines and check seals |
Ford Kuga Recall List
Always verify a specific Kuga using the DVSA recall checker or Ford VIN lookup.
| Recall code | Model years | Concern | Risk / symptom |
|---|---|---|---|
| R/2018/351 | 2013–2018 | Clutch pressure plate fracture (EcoBoost manuals) | Burning clutch smell, reduced drive, possible fragments/fire risk |
| R/2018/053 | 2014–2015 | Diesel overheating may crack oil sump | Oil loss, engine damage |
| R/2022/239 | 2019–2022 | eCall malfunction | Emergency call may fail |
| R/2022/231 | 2021–2022 | Oil/fuel vapour leak fire risk | Smoke or engine-bay fire risk |
| R/2023/080 | 2019–2022 | Fuel injector failure may cause a leak. | Fuel leak. |
| R/2020/224 | 2019 PHEV | HV battery overheating | Fire risk. Charging disabled |
Is the Ford Kuga Reliable?
Broadly, yes. However, there is a split by fuel type.
Owners rate the Kuga as generally dependable. Most faults tend to be electrical and/or infotainment. There is not much in the way of core engine failures.
Diesel Kugas have a weaker reliability record than petrol and hybrid versions. This comes from What Car?’s surveys – and are mainly down to emissions hardware and electrical complaints.
The PHEV models have been hit hardest reputationally. Due to repeated HV battery safety recalls (2020 and again in 2025).
Buying Advice: What to Check on a Used Kuga
- Confirm recall work (especially clutch, overheating, injector/fire, and PHEV HV battery campaigns).
- For diesels, check for DPF/EGR history and avoid cars that only did short commutes.
- Test automatic behaviour. Shuddering or hesitation suggests servicing or clutch wear.
- Check sunroof drains and floor dampness.
- A solid service record matters more on Kugas than many rivals.