2010 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · AM55 BUN

The most recent MOT test on 11 May 2026 resulted in a fail due to the engine management indicator lamp being inoperative, though a pass was also issued on the same date once this was presumably addressed. The earlier 2025 test produced a dangerous failure for a nearside front lower suspension component ball joint likely to become detached, alongside a major exhaust defect for a missing middle hanger, indicating that the vehicle has clearly experienced some front-end suspension deterioration over the past two years. Advisories have also accumulated across multiple tests relating to offside front wheel bearing play, steering rack inner joint play, Macpherson strut ball joint play, rear wishbone bush wear, and track rod end play. The overall trend cannot be described as stable; rather, the record shows a progressive worsening of front suspension and steering component wear, which warrants thorough investigation before purchase. With approximately 161,018 miles recorded on a 2010 vehicle, this Kuga has covered roughly 10,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age. The mileage progression between tests appears reasonably consistent without large unexplained gaps or sudden accumulations, suggesting the odometer reading is likely credible and the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods. Regular annual usage of this nature generally keeps mechanical components freed up, reducing risks of seized brakes, deteriorated coolant, and dried seals, although it does mean wear items such as suspension bushes, brake discs, clutches, and drivetrain mounts will have accumulated substantial fatigue over the vehicle's working life. Given the high overall mileage, even items not flagged at MOT such as the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, if fitted, turbocharger, and engine ancillaries should be regarded as approaching or past their expected service life. Given the recurring advisories relating to front suspension and steering components, particular attention should be paid to these areas during inspection and test drive. The offside front wheel bearing play flagged in 2025 and again in 2026 suggests progressive wear, and any humming or droning noise that varies with road speed, particularly when cornering, would confirm deterioration requiring replacement. The steering rack inner joint and track rod end play advisories point to wear in the steering linkage; on test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over bumps, check for uneven tyre wear particularly inner edges, and verify steering has no excess free play or vagueness off-centre. The dangerous failure recorded for a likely ball joint detachment is a serious concern, so the nearside front lower ball joint and its associated components should be inspected closely for any torn boots, grease leakage, or movement when the wheel is levered with a bar. The exhaust system should also be examined for any remaining insecure sections or missing mountings, as a middle hanger was previously absent. Beyond the flagged items, several age and mileage related checks are strongly advised for a 16-year-old Kuga covering over 160,000 miles. Tyre condition should be assessed not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking and perishing given the vehicle's age, even if tread remains adequate. The braking system should be inspected for corroded or scored discs, particularly at the rear where binding calipers are common on vehicles used for regular short journeys, and the brake fluid should ideally be replaced regardless of the MOT record as it degrades over time irrespective of mileage. The 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its useful life and should be load tested, while coolant, power steering, and gearbox or transmission fluids should be verified as having been changed in line with calendar intervals. Finally, a thorough underside inspection on a ramp is recommended to check for corrosion on subframes, brake lines, and fuel lines, as well as oil leaks from the engine, gearbox, and differential, all of which become increasingly relevant at this age and mileage combination.