IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2021 Ford Puma Mk2

2021 brought the Puma ST, a 1.5 EcoBoost three-cylinder with 200PS and a six-speed manual. The same year the Puma overtook the Fiesta as Ford's best-selling UK model, and it soon topped the overall charts.

What changed for 2021

  • •Puma ST with a 1.5 EcoBoost 200PS three-cylinder and six-speed manual gearbox
  • •Uprated suspension, bigger brakes and a more aggressive body kit on the ST
  • •Puma replaced the Fiesta as Ford's best-selling UK model in 2021
  • •ST-Line X and Vignale trims sat at the top with larger alloys and premium audio

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front tyre inner-edge wear and uneven wear on the ST's wider rubber
  • !Rear springs and anti-roll bar links worn on heavier ST models
  • !Brake judder and disc lipping from hard use on ST cars
6
Known Issues
0
Serious
5
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

1.0 EcoBoost Oil-Pump Belt and Breather-Service Sensitivity

ModerateEngine

The main cam drive is chain-based, but the engine still relies on very specific oil quality and can suffer oil-separator or lubrication-related issues when servicing is stretched.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Oil leaks around breather components, Noisy start-up after missed servicing, Low-oil-pressure concerns or warning messages

What to Inspect:
  • Demand full service history with the right Ford-spec oil
  • Inspect for oil residue around breather and separator parts
  • Check whether any Ford campaigns were completed
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

12V Battery and Mild-Hybrid Electrical Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Weak 12V batteries or software glitches can bring stop-start failures, mild-hybrid warnings and intermittent low-voltage gremlins.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£500
Warning Signs:

Stop-start unavailable, Hybrid warning messages, Flat battery after standing

What to Inspect:
  • Ask for a battery-health printout if available
  • Check whether the car has had repeated battery replacements
  • Watch for low-voltage warnings on startup
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Panoramic Roof and Tailgate Water Ingress

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Blocked roof drains or poor sealing can let water into the cabin or boot, leading to trim damage and electrical irritation.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£700
Warning Signs:

Damp headlining, Wet boot floor, Musty smell or misted windows

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the roof opening and drains if fitted
  • Lift the boot floor and feel under the side trims
  • Look for water marks around the tailgate aperture
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

ADAS False Alarms and Calibration Issues

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The Puma advanced driver-assistance systems can be over-sensitive, activating emergency braking when there is no real danger. Dirt on the windshield camera is the most common cause, but calibration after bumper or screen work is also frequently needed.

Est. Repair Cost: £150-£500
Warning Signs:

False emergency braking activations, Lane-keeping warning when centred in lane, Pre-collision assist not available message

What to Inspect:
  • Keep windshield camera and sensors clean
  • Test all driver-assistance features
  • Ask for dealer records of calibration
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

48V Mild Hybrid System Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The mHEV belt-driven starter-generator (BISG) and small 48V lithium-ion battery can develop faults. The BISG can fail triggering limp mode, and the 48V battery degrades over time reducing the modest fuel-economy benefit.

Est. Repair Cost: £400-£800
Warning Signs:

Stop-start unavailable, Hybrid warning messages, Flat battery after standing, BISG failure warning

What to Inspect:
  • Ask for a battery-health printout
  • Watch for low-voltage warnings on startup
  • Check for repeated battery replacements
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

SYNC 3 Infotainment Freezes and Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The SYNC 3 touchscreen can develop screen freezes, black screens, Bluetooth dropouts and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections. A soft reset usually fixes it but chronic issues may need dealer software updates.

Est. Repair Cost: £0-£350
Warning Signs:

Frozen or black infotainment screen, Bluetooth connection dropping, Apple CarPlay not working, Slow or unresponsive touch inputs

What to Inspect:
  • Test all media functions during the drive
  • Check current SYNC software version
  • Ask whether OTA updates have been applied
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2021 Ford Puma Mk2

  • On the ST, check front tyre brand matching and tread depth, plus brake disc condition
  • Confirm the 1.5 EcoBoost has had its scheduled oil services and shows no boost leaks
  • Drive the seven-speed automatic at low speed and on a hill, feeling for hesitation, judder or slip
20202022–2023
Check a 2021 Ford Puma Mk2 by Registration