2022 Ford Kuga ST-Line X ED Phev CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · CU54 BUT

A plug-in hybrid Kuga of this vintage carrying two recorded MOT tests has so far avoided any outright failures, with advisories only surfacing at the most recent examination on 15 October 2025. Both entries on that test relate to the rear brake discs, noted as worn, pitted or scored but not seriously weakened at that point. The earlier test on 1 November 2024 recorded no defects at all, so the documented trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness up to 2024 followed by the first signs of wear appearing on the rear braking components. While a clean pass with advisories is the best outcome short of a fully defect-free test, the appearance of disc wear on a four-year-old car with relatively modest mileage is the kind of item that warrants close physical attention rather than dismissal. The odometer reading of 29,591 miles against an approximate four-year age gives an annual accumulation of roughly 7,400 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical private use for a PHEV of this type. There are no extended gaps between tests or sudden jumps in recorded mileage that would suggest periods off the road followed by heavy use, and the history covers two consecutive annual examinations. For a plug-in hybrid that is often used for short urban trips on electric power, the brakes are particularly prone to corrosion from low-effort use, which is consistent with the pattern of pitted rear discs that has now begun to show on the record. The absence of advisories on tyres, suspension or underbody components across both tests suggests that the rest of the chassis and running gear has not yet raised concern at MOT level. A prospective buyer should treat the rear brake discs as the primary inspection item. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, rumbling or scraping from the rear corners under light braking, and feel for vibration through the pedal or seat under firmer application, as pitted discs commonly produce judder when they have worn beyond the thickness at which machining can save them. Inspect both rear discs visually for a sharp lip at the outer edge and for visible scoring or a bluish heat tint, and check that the handbrake holds firmly on a slope, since rear discs on Kugas of this generation can suffer corrosion on the inner face that weakens parking-brake effectiveness. The rear caliper sliding pins and guide channels are worth exercising by hand for any binding or stiffness, and the rear flexible brake hoses should be checked for cracking or swelling, particularly where they pass near the rear axle. Beyond the braking system, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain deserves specific attention on a road test. With the battery in EV mode, confirm smooth pull-away and that the transition to the petrol unit under hard acceleration is unobtrusive, and listen for any rattling or metallic noise from the rear underbody that might suggest heat-shield or exhaust movement rather than a mechanical fault. On uneven surfaces, listen for clonking or creaking from the front suspension, as Kugas of this era are known for wear in the lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar links, even though none of these items has yet appeared on the MOT record. A scan for any stored diagnostic trouble codes in both the hybrid powertrain and the 12-volt systems is advisable, and the tyre shoulders and sidewalls should be examined for uneven wear, which on a plug-in hybrid often points to underinflation during long periods of electric-only running.