2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · EL18 TER

The most recent MOT on 2026-05-27 shows a pass with several minor issues, including low coolant, a non-excessive oil leak, a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit, and a defective windscreen wiper blade. However, a failed MOT on the same date lists more serious concerns: an inoperative engine MIL, severely reduced headlamp intensity, brake pads less than 1.5mm thick, and worn brake discs with slight lips. These failures indicate critical safety risks, particularly with braking and lighting systems. Recurring issues include coolant level deficiencies , tyre wear (notably nearside front tyres approaching legal limits), and brake component degradation (pads, discs). The oil leak and wiper blade defects also reappear, suggesting ongoing maintenance needs. While some issues like tyre wear and coolant levels are common in older vehicles, the combination of brake pad thickness below 1.5mm and severely dimmed headlamps raises significant safety concerns. The trend shows worsening conditions since 2024. The 2024 MOT noted thin brake pads and tyre wear, but the 2026 failures highlight more severe problems, including a non-functional MIL (a critical emissions/diagnostic warning) and brake discs with lip wear. This suggests potential neglect or accelerated wear, possibly due to heavy use or inadequate maintenance. The vehicle’s mileage of 92,951 miles over 8 years is typical , averaging ~11,600 miles annually.