2009 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · DP02 AAA

A fractured rear coil spring recorded at the October 2023 MOT failure is the single mechanical event that defines the history of this 2009 Ford Kuga, and it warrants close attention from any prospective buyer. The vehicle was presented the day after the failure and subsequently returned a clean pass with no advisories, indicating that the spring was replaced and the related geometry was checked at the same time. Aside from that single major defect, the remaining seven tests between 2019 and 2025 are entirely free of advisories, with the most recent pass at 2025-10-13 confirming no defects at all. The overall trend is therefore one of largely stable roadworthiness punctuated by an isolated suspension failure rather than a chronic or worsening pattern of deterioration. With an indicated 24,587 miles spread across roughly seventeen years, the Kuga has averaged around 1,446 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. There are no gaps in the MOT testing record between 2019 and 2025, so the low figure cannot be explained by a long lay-up, and instead points to genuinely light use during that period. Mechanically, very low annual mileage typically results in less wear on friction items such as brake discs, pads and clutch components, but it can also accelerate ageing of rubber and polymer parts that deteriorate through oxidation rather than use. Corrosion of underbody components, stiffening of suspension bushes and dry-out of driveline seals are therefore more relevant concerns than outright wear on this particular car. Given the recorded nearside rear coil spring failure, the suspension should be the primary focus of any physical inspection and test drive. On the road, listen for any clonking, rattling or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly on the nearside, as a fractured spring often allows the affected corner to bottom out or the tyre to make contact with the body under compression. Inspect the remaining coil springs, both front and rear, for signs of surface corrosion, cracking or sagging, as a broken spring on a low-mileage vehicle can indicate that material fatigue rather than mileage is the limiting factor. Pay particular attention to the rear suspension arms, bushes and shock absorbers, as the impact of a broken coil can transfer additional loading onto these adjacent components. The remainder of the recorded history is reassuringly sparse, with only a single advisory noting a nail in the nearside rear tyre shoulder at the 2021 test, which is a transient and easily rectified issue rather than an indication of a recurring defect. Even so, a buyer should still carry out the usual physical checks that the MOT does not cover, including a thorough examination of the underbody and subframe mounting points for any corrosion that may have developed during seventeen winters of road use, given that MOT testing does not require the vehicle to be lifted for a detailed structural inspection. The brakes should be checked for smooth operation and any pulling to one side under moderate pedal pressure, and a cold start should be observed for excessive exhaust smoke, unusual engine rattles or warning lights on the instrument cluster. Given the isolated spring failure and otherwise clean record, this Kuga presents a low-risk proposition provided the rear suspension and underbody are carefully inspected prior to purchase.