2016 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · EK66 SWJ

The 2016 Ford Kuga presents a mixed mechanical picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 12 July 2025 at 92,969 miles, passed but carried four advisories that signal a shift from the clean bills of health seen in earlier years. A deformed rear sub-frame was noted, with the tester recording that structural rigidity was not significantly reduced at the time of inspection. An oil leak, described as not excessive, also appeared on this test and had been flagged in the previous year's record, suggesting a persistent minor seepage issue rather than a sudden failure. A non-functionative offside rear registration plate lamp and localised windscreen damage round off the latest advisories. The maintenance trend is therefore worsening compared to the defect-free tests recorded between 2021 and 2023, though the vehicle remains legally roadworthy. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, averaging roughly 9,300 miles per year over its ten-year life. The record shows a notable jump of 11,069 miles between the September 2022 test at 58,180 miles and the September 2023 test at 71,058 miles, indicating a period of heavier use. A further 11,069 miles were added between September 2023 and August 2024, confirming sustained higher annual mileage during that window. The most recent test in July 2025 shows the odometer frozen at 92,969 miles, identical to the previous reading, which strongly suggests the vehicle has seen very little use in the past eleven months or that a replacement unit may be warranted to verify true mileage. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear sub-frame deformation flagged in the 2025 test. While the tester judged structural integrity was not significantly compromised at that mileage, any deformation to a sub-frame warrants a physical inspection for corrosion, cracking, or impact damage, particularly if the vehicle has been used on rough roads or suffered a rear-end collision. The recurring oil leak, present in both the 2024 and 2025 records, should be traced to its source, whether that is a failing gasket, a degraded seal, or a cracked oil housing. Brake wear was evident in the August 2024 test, with both front and rear pads wearing thin and rear discs showing pitting or scoring. Given the mileage has barely moved since, a fresh assessment of pad thickness and disc condition is advisable before purchase. Tyre condition also deserves scrutiny, as the 2024 test noted bald inner and outer edges on both front tyres, which points to possible misalignment or neglected rotation intervals.