2021 Ford Kuga Titanium Edition Ecoblue 1.5L Diesel · AX21 NCE

A 2021 Ford Kuga with a completely clean MOT record across both of its recorded tests presents a reassuringly straightforward roadworthiness profile, with the most recent assessment on 19 April 2025 returning a pass and zero advisories or defects noted by the examiner. The previous test on 29 April 2024 also passed without any recorded items of concern, meaning there is no DVSA-documented history of worn components, corrosion, brake issues, suspension deterioration, or exhaust concerns to act as an early warning of emerging problems. This is the ideal pattern for a vehicle of this age, suggesting that no major mechanical or structural issues have manifested within the first five years of service that were severe enough to warrant examiner attention. The absence of advisories is particularly notable on a Kuga, as these vehicles can be prone to certain wear items as they accumulate mileage, so the clean sheet lends confidence that the car has remained in good mechanical order through to its current point. Recorded mileage of 47,083 miles against a five-year age equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 9,400 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a privately or fleet-used family SUV of this type. The mileage progression between the two recorded MOT tests shows an increase of around 11,000 miles over approximately twelve months, indicating consistent and fairly active use rather than long periods of standing or erratic driving patterns. This kind of steady, moderate usage tends to be beneficial for component longevity, as regular driving keeps the diesel particulate filter active, the battery maintained through charging cycles, the brakes free from corrosion through normal operation, and the seals and flexible components exercised rather than left to degrade through inactivity. There are no significant gaps in testing history that would suggest the vehicle was laid up or off the road for extended periods, which removes any concern about stale fuel, seized brake calipers, or perished rubber components that sometimes accompany multi-year storage. From a buyer's perspective, the lack of specific advisories means the inspection focus shifts to the general condition of components that the MOT does not fully cover or that would only begin to show wear at higher mileages. On the test drive, pay close attention to the behaviour of the clutch and manual or automatic gearbox, listening for any judder, slipping, or rough engagement that could indicate wear on the dual-clutch units or torque converter that some Kuga EcoBlue models have been known to experience. The EcoBlue diesel engine should start cleanly from cold with no excessive smoke, excessive engine rattle, or warning lights remaining illuminated, and during a steady motorway cruise the power delivery should feel consistent without any hesitation, misfire, or flashing DPF light. Steering should remain precise and centred, with no pulling to one side, vibration through the wheel, or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the Kuga's front wishbones and anti-roll bar links can begin to show wear as mileage accumulates beyond the 50,000 mark. Underbody and around-the-car inspection should focus on the areas most likely to develop issues on a Kuga of this age and mileage, particularly the rear brake calipers and handbrake mechanism, which are known to seize if the vehicle has seen frequent short journeys or periods of light use. Check that the rear discs rotate freely by hand when the handbrake is released and listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear when driving at low speed. Inspect the exhaust system for any blueing at joints, condensation leaks, or corrosion around the DPF and catalytic converter boxes, as diesel exhaust components on Kugas can suffer from internal contamination if regeneration cycles have been interrupted. Examine the underside for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or rear differential, and check the condition of the alloy wheels and tyres, looking for uneven shoulder wear that might indicate suspension geometry issues or alignment problems that have developed since the last MOT. Finally, verify that all electronic systems function correctly, including the infotainment screen, climate control, parking sensors, and any driver assistance features, as the Kuga's electrical architecture can develop intermittent faults that would not be flagged during a standard MOT test.