2017 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · DF17 SVP

A persistent pattern of rear suspension arm bush wear dominates the roadworthiness record of this 2017 Ford Kuga and represents the defining mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. Across the four most recent MOT tests in 2022, 2024, and 2026, advisories have been repeatedly raised on both the nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes, flagged as worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement. The fact that these advisories have appeared intermittently over a four-year period rather than progressively worsening suggests the wear has been borderline at each inspection, but it does indicate that the rubber bushes within the rear suspension linkages are ageing and losing compliance. The most recent test on 25 June 2026 recorded a clean pass alongside these recurring advisories, and the intervening 2025 and 2023 tests were returned without defects, meaning the vehicle has never failed an MOT under current test standards. The broader pattern is one of borderline components being monitored rather than a deteriorating failure trend, but the rear axle geometry clearly warrants close physical examination before purchase. Separately, a single advisory in 2022 noted front offside suspension arm bush wear, and a 2021 advisory flagged both rear brake discs as pitted and slightly corroded, indicating that the braking and suspension consumables have shown signs of normal wear over the vehicle's life. The recorded mileage of 67,698 miles across approximately nine years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 7,522 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, with tests recorded consecutively from 2020 through to 2026 at consistent intervals. The only notable irregularity is the 2020 COVID-19 six-month extension, which accounts for the two test entries that year rather than indicating any mechanical or usage anomaly. This near-continuous annual testing pattern, combined with steady mileage progression, suggests the vehicle has been in regular use rather than subjected to either long-term standing or unusually high annual mileage that would accelerate wear on clutches, brakes, and drivetrain components. For a prospective buyer, the primary inspection focus should be the rear suspension, specifically the trailing arm or control arm bushes where the pins are housed. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises emanating from the rear axle when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or delay in the rear suspension's response to cornering inputs. Over uneven surfaces at low speed, a worn rear bush can produce a perceptible shimmy or a feeling that the rear axle is not securely located. Visually, with the vehicle raised on a ramp or over a pit, the rear arm bushes should be inspected for cracking, splitting, or visible deformation of the rubber, as the MOT advisories suggest these components are at or approaching the threshold where movement becomes excessive. Given the advisories have appeared on both sides consistently, replacement of both rear arm bushes as a paired job is likely the most sensible approach if symptoms are confirmed. The 2021 rear brake disc corrosion advisories should also be verified during inspection, as pitted and scored discs that were merely noted as borderline three years ago may now require machining or replacement. On test, brake pedal feel should be firm without excessive travel, and there should be no vibration or judder through the steering wheel under heavy braking, which would indicate disc runout or uneven wear. The front suspension, flagged only once in 2022, should similarly be checked for any developing play in the offside front arm bush. With no advisories recorded for corrosion, exhaust integrity, lighting, or structural items across all seven tests, the broader mechanical envelope appears sound outside of these localised suspension and brake wear concerns, and a thorough road test focusing on rear axle composure and braking smoothness should provide clear confirmation of whether the borderline advisories have progressed into defects requiring immediate attention.