2011 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · CE61 YLB

Persistent play in the steering rack inner joints, recorded on both the failed and the subsequent passed MOT in February 2026, dominates the vehicle’s current mechanical narrative. While the major exhaust leak that caused the 2026‑02‑02 failure appears to have been remedied before the next day’s test, the steering rack issue remains an advisory, indicating a lingering condition that has not yet escalated to a failure but could affect handling if left unchecked. At 117,316 mi over fifteen years the average annual mileage sits around 7,800 mi, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows regular annual testing with no significant gaps, suggesting the odometer reading is reliable and that the car has not endured periods of prolonged inactivity that might conceal hidden deterioration. This moderate mileage implies that wear‑related components such as brakes, tyres and suspension will be at a stage consistent with their service life rather than unusually premature failure. When inspecting the steering, feel for any looseness or wobble at the wheel rim, especially when turning at low speed or encountering road imperfections; a clunk or excessive play may signal that the rack bushings or inner joints need replacement. The rear tyre advisories from 2023 and the 2026‑02‑02 test highlight edge‑wear on both rear tyres, so verify that the tread depth is uniform across the width and consider replacing the rear set if the wear pattern persists. The 2026‑02‑02 failure also noted off‑side rear brake pad wear and mild binding – on a test drive, monitor the pedal for any judder, uneven pull, or reduced travel, and listen for any squeal that could indicate a caliper that is not releasing fully. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection should therefore concentrate on the steering rack assembly, rear suspension bushings, brake calipers and pads, and the condition of the rear tyres. Confirm that the exhaust repair has eliminated any rattling or smoke at idle, and verify that the emissions advisory from 2021 does not reappear under load. Addressing these specific items will give a clearer picture of any imminent remedial work and help gauge the overall cost of bringing the vehicle to a consistently roadworthy state.