2021 Ford Kuga Vignale Phev CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · CR05 CWR

The most recent MOT, dated 23 January 2026, resulted in a failure on the grounds of excessive headlamp aim on both the off‑side and near‑side units, with an advisory noting the presence of under‑body shields. Prior to this, the vehicle recorded two consecutive passes (January 2025 and January 2024) with only non‑critical advisories concerning tyre tread depth and the fitting of undertrays. This pattern indicates an otherwise stable maintenance record, with the current failure representing a minor, rectifiable fault rather than a sign of deteriorating overall condition. At 45,485 miles the Kuga is roughly five years old, giving an average annual mileage of about 9,100 miles. This figure sits comfortably within the typical UK usage range of 8‑12 000 miles per year and suggests the car has not been subjected to excessive wear. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would imply long periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components should correspond closely to the mileage rather than to calendar ageing alone. Prospective buyers should verify that the headlamp units have been correctly realigned and that the beam pattern now conforms to the statutory limits; a mis‑aimed lamp can cause glare for on‑coming traffic and may be symptomatic of mounting or wiring issues if the adjustment does not hold. The 2025 advisory flagged the near‑side rear outer tyre as being close to the legal limit and showing edge wear, so a thorough visual inspection of all four tyres is essential – look for sidewall cracking, tread separation or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or a failing rear‑wheel bearing. Test‑drive the vehicle for any clunk, squeak or shudder, particularly over bumps and when applying the brakes, as these can reveal hidden suspension or brake disc problems that have not yet triggered an MOT failure. Given the vehicle’s plug‑in hybrid configuration, the 12‑volt battery and the high‑voltage traction battery should be examined for age‑related capacity loss; a battery health check at a dealership or reputable independent garage will confirm whether the state of charge and charge‑acceptance are within acceptable limits. Time‑based services such as coolant replacement, brake fluid flushing and engine oil change should be verified against the service booklet, as the manufacturer recommends interval‑based changes irrespective of mileage. Finally, inspect the underbody for corrosion, especially around the fitted shields and undertrays, and ensure that any protective coatings are intact, as rust can progress rapidly on a vehicle that has spent time standing idle.