2012 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · ET12 ABN

The Ford Kuga’s most recent MOT test on 2025-01-28 at 137,856 miles passed without defects, but the immediate preceding test on 2025-01-22—just six days earlier at 137,633 miles—failed without any recorded issues. This abrupt retest suggests either a genuine oversight in scheduling or a deliberate attempt to bypass a minor, non-fatal fault that wasn’t logged. The 2022 cycle also shows a failed test on 2022-01-27 at 112,905 miles, immediately followed by a pass on 2022-01-31 at the same mileage, reinforcing the possibility of a procedural anomaly rather than a mechanical trend. Beyond these retests, the vehicle has maintained a clean MOT history since 2023, with no advisories or recurring faults. However, the lack of defects does not preclude underlying wear—especially in components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers—which often fail silently until they reach critical thresholds. The recorded mileage of 137,856 miles over 14 years equates to approximately 9,847 miles annually, a rate consistent with typical usage for this age. There are no obvious gaps or spikes in mileage accumulation, though the 2022 retest at identical mileage suggests the vehicle may have stood unused for some time before the second test. The longest gap between tests is between 2023 (123,040 miles) and 2025 (137,856 miles), a span of nearly two years, which could indicate either reduced driving or deferred maintenance. Without service records, it’s impossible to confirm whether critical intervals—such as brake fluid changes, timing belt inspections, or differential fluid refreshes—were adhered to, but the MOT history does not reveal any obvious neglect patterns. Given the absence of logged defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear items that are not routinely MOT-tested. The suspension—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—should be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these components degrade gradually and can compromise handling and ride quality. Brake discs and calipers, while not failed in MOT tests, may exhibit uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle has been driven hard or stored with wet brakes. Structural integrity is another concern; the underbody, wheel arches, and sills should be scrutinised for corrosion, particularly around the wheel housings and suspension mounts, where salt ingress accelerates deterioration. Finally, the exhaust system should be checked for leaks or excessive rust, as these can affect emissions and structural stability over time. The lack of advisories in recent tests does not guarantee these areas are sound, but it does suggest the vehicle has not suffered from overt mechanical failures.