IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1997 Ford Puma (First Generation)

1997 launch year: the Cologne-built coupe arrived with 1.4 and 1.7 VCT engines, New Edge styling and 15-inch alloys as a sharper, more focused Fiesta.

What changed for 1997

  • •Three-door coupe on the Fiesta Mk4 platform
  • •1.4 Zetec-SE 90PS and 1.7 VCT 125PS engines
  • •1.7 uses Nikasil-coated bores finished by Yamaha
  • •ABS standard on the 1.7 and optional on the 1.4
  • •Front discs with rear drums

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rear wheel arch and sill corrosion within the prescribed areas
  • !Split CV boots and worn front lower arm bushes
  • !Corroded brake pipes above the rear beam
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Structural Corrosion (Rear Arches, Sills, Floorpan)

SeriousBodywork & Rust

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £300-£2,000
Warning Signs:

Bubbling paint around rear arches, Crusty sills and jacking points, MOT failure for structural corrosion

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect inner and outer sills
  • Check rear arches from underneath and behind plastic liners
  • Lift the boot carpet and check the floor for rot
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

CV Joint and Driveshaft Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £150-£350
Warning Signs:

Clicking noise on full lock, Vibration under acceleration, Grease splattered on inner wheel arch

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect CV boots for splits or grease leakage
  • Listen for clicking on tight turns
  • Check the driveshaft for play
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Engine Management and Oxygen Sensor Faults

ModerateEngine

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £60-£250
Warning Signs:

Rough idle and hesitation, Engine management light, Misfire or poor cold starting

What to Inspect:
  • Drive the car fully warm and listen for rough running
  • Check for coolant around spark plugs (core plug leak)
  • Look for recent coil pack or sensor invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Coolant Leaks (Core Plugs and Thermostat)

ModerateCooling System

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £50-£200
Warning Signs:

Temperature gauge fluctuating, Misfire from coolant on HT leads, Sweet smell from engine bay, Low coolant level

What to Inspect:
  • Remove engine cover trim and check core plugs for coolant staining
  • Observe temperature gauge during test drive
  • Check coolant level
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 1997 Ford Puma (First Generation)

  • Probe the rear arches from inside the boot and behind the plastic liners
  • Check the 1.7 has been run on 5W-30 semi-synthetic and listen for piston slap
  • Test the heater blower on all four speeds for a failed resistor pack
1998–1999
Check a 1997 Ford Puma (First Generation) by Registration