2018 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · EN18 ABK

The 2018 Ford Kuga presents a mixed roadworthiness picture marked by a significant failure event in early 2021 followed by generally clean intervals through 2025. The latest MOT on 2025-12-03 showed no defects, indicating the vehicle returned to passing status after a period of instability. However, the December 2021 failure remains a critical data point: the car suffered severe tyre damage including cuts reaching the ply or cords on both nearside front and offside rear tyres, a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, a non-functional windshield wiper assembly, and a rear nail embedded in a tyre. This single failure episode suggests underlying structural or manufacturing issues that did not fully resolve. Since then, the car has passed three consecutive MOTs (2022-2025), suggesting the immediate post-failure condition improved, though the earlier damage may still be present in certain components. The vehicle's odometer reading of 75,806 miles across approximately eight years yields an average annual consumption of nearly 9,500 miles, which aligns with typical usage patterns for its age. The gap between the 2021 failed MOT and the subsequent 2022 pass suggests a recovery period where either tyre repairs resolved the critical damage or the vehicle was driven more conservatively following the incident. Notably, there is no evidence of unusually high mileage spikes that would indicate sudden heavy use; instead, the progression from 2021 through 2025 shows steady but modest increments. The two advisory-only passes in 2023 (worn tyres approaching legal limits on both front axles) further indicate that while the car has largely cleared its MOT book, minor deterioration persisted until the end of 2023 when the same tyre concerns re-emerged alongside a failed headlamp in the same test cycle. Based on the recorded advisories, particular attention should be given to the suspension linkage and wheel assembly areas where the cut tyres originated. Any replacement tyres installed after the 2021 failure should be inspected closely for residual damage to the bead seats and mounting points, as the original damage may have compromised the integrity of the suspension bushings or control arm attachments. A test drive should be conducted at varying speeds to assess whether the front suspension exhibits any play, knocking, or binding that could indicate worn bushings or deteriorating spring mounts, particularly in the front right-hand side where the nearside front tyres were most affected. Additionally, the quality of the repair work performed during the 2021 remediation should be verified for signs of metal fatigue or improper alignment that might manifest as uneven tyre wear or steering vibration under load. The 2021 failure also included a tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction and a non-functional windshield wiper assembly, neither of which were addressed before the next successful MOT in December 2022. While the current MOT showed no new defects, buyers should confirm that the TPMS light does not illuminate unexpectedly and that wipers clear the windscreen adequately, as persistent electrical or hydraulic issues in these systems can degrade driver confidence. Furthermore, given the proximity of the last MOT in mid-December 2025, it is prudent to perform a visual inspection of the undercarriage and subframe for rust or corrosion, especially around wheel arches and the suspension mounting points, as prolonged idling periods combined with the earlier suspension-related events may have accelerated corrosion in previously unaffected areas. If the vehicle has been stored for extended periods since the 2021 incident, checking for fluid leaks such as brake fluid or coolant beneath the chassis will help rule out hidden damage that might not have triggered a MOT failure but could compromise safety during normal driving.