Ford Puma (First Generation) Common Problems & Reliability
The original Puma is a genuine driver car with sharp handling and a sweet 1.7 VVT engine. Now a modern classic, survivors are increasingly rare due to rust. The mechanicals are straightforward but age-related corrosion and electrical niggles define the ownership experience.
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Detailed fault breakdown, symptoms, and estimated repair bills by production year.
Most Common Ford Puma (First Generation) Faults & Repair Costs
Structural Corrosion (Rear Arches, Sills, Floorpan)
The Puma most infamous fault. Rear wheel arches rot from the inside out, and sills, jacking points and the boot floor are also susceptible. Fresh underseal may be hiding serious corrosion.
Bubbling paint around rear arches, Crusty sills and jacking points, MOT failure for structural corrosion
CV Joint and Driveshaft Wear
The Puma front CV joints and boots deteriorate with age, leading to clicking on full lock and eventually joint failure. MOT testers often flag deteriorated or split CV boots.
Clicking noise on full lock, Vibration under acceleration, Grease splattered on inner wheel arch
Engine Management and Oxygen Sensor Faults
The 1.7 VVT engine is sensitive to a failed heated oxygen sensor causing rough running, hesitation and poor idle. Coil pack failures and HT lead shorting from coolant leaking onto them via failed core plugs are also common.
Rough idle and hesitation, Engine management light, Misfire or poor cold starting
Coolant Leaks (Core Plugs and Thermostat)
The 1.7 engine has core plugs near the spark plugs that can leak coolant onto the HT leads causing misfires. The thermostat also fails regularly causing the temperature gauge to fluctuate.
Temperature gauge fluctuating, Misfire from coolant on HT leads, Sweet smell from engine bay, Low coolant level
Buying a used Ford Puma (First Generation)? Always check for hidden finance and write-off history.
Mechanical problems are only half the battle. Over 1 in 3 UK used cars checked have unpaid finance or accident write-off records that could cause you to lose the car or thousands in value.