2017 FORD KUGA2.0L DIESEL

The 2017 Ford Kuga’s most recent MOT, conducted just nine months ago on 31 October 2025, reveals a vehicle in a precarious state. The test failed on critical structural and safety issues: severe corrosion on both rear coil springs, excessive play in the offside steering rack inner joint, and illegal tyre tread depths on both front tyres. These faults indicate a vehicle that has not been maintained to a roadworthy standard, with recurring structural weaknesses and a failure to address basic consumable wear. The fact that the same rear coil spring corrosion and steering rack defect were noted in the same test—despite the vehicle passing on 31 October—suggests either a rushed inspection or a deliberate attempt to conceal serious issues. Buyers should treat this as a high-risk purchase, as the vehicle’s condition has not improved but instead shows a pattern of deferred maintenance. The mileage progression over the past four years is unusually erratic for a vehicle of this age. Between the 2022 and 2023 tests, the Kuga accumulated just 4,297 miles in under a year, followed by another 3,163 miles by November 2024—a rate of roughly 3,000 miles annually. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate corrosion and degrade suspension components. The final stretch, from 37,165 to 40,458 miles between October 2024 and October 2025, covers 3,293 miles in just over a year, a pace that still falls well below the average for a vehicle of this type. Such inconsistent usage patterns often correlate with neglect, particularly when combined with the repeated tyre and suspension failures. A prospective buyer must prioritise an in-depth inspection of the rear suspension and steering components, as these have been flagged multiple times. The corroded rear coil springs pose a direct risk to structural integrity and ride stability, while the play in the steering rack inner joint indicates worn bushings that could compromise handling. The front tyres, which have been worn close to the legal limit or below in three consecutive tests, suggest either aggressive driving or a lack of regular rotation and balancing. Examine the steering rack for fluid leaks or excessive movement, and check the rear suspension for signs of rust penetration beyond what was recorded. The steering rack’s failure to pass despite passing tests in previous years warrants particular scrutiny, as does the condition of the tyres—both front and rear—given their rapid degradation. Corrosion on other suspension components, such as the subframe or control arms, should also be thoroughly assessed, as this vehicle’s history indicates a propensity for rust-related failures.