2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Petrol · EU18 OVL

A clear pattern of brake and underbody wear has emerged across the most recent two MOT tests on this 2018 Ford Kuga, with both the 2025 and 2026 examinations flagging front disc lipping, rear disc corrosion, and rear brake pad thinning, alongside a newly recorded steering rack inner joint play in February 2026. The 2024 test was clean of advisories and the 2023 pass carried no defects, suggesting that the bulk of the wear-related items have surfaced within the last twelve to twenty-four months rather than being long-standing chronic issues. The single failure recorded in March 2024 related solely to the rear 13-pin trailer electrical socket, specifically the rear left side light and rear fog lamp functions, which is an accessory electrical concern rather than a fundamental mechanical or structural defect. Taken together, the trajectory is one of a vehicle that remained tidy through its sixth and seventh years but is now showing age-related deterioration on braking components and steering linkage, warranting close physical inspection before purchase. At 67,035 miles over eight years, the Kuga averages roughly 8,400 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and means the car has seen consistent rather than light or excessive use. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual examinations conducted every year since at least 2023, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady. This level of usage is high enough to put realistic wear into suspension bushes, dampers, brake discs, and steering components, but not so high as to suggest motorway-fleet punishment. The slightly elevated mileage combined with the recent advisory cluster suggests that consumable replacement, rather than major mechanical overhaul, is the most likely near-term requirement. For a prospective test drive, particular attention should be paid to the steering system given the recorded inner joint play. Listen and feel for any knocking or clonking through the steering wheel when traversing speed bumps or turning from lock to lock at low speed, and check for vagueness or a slight delay between steering input and front wheel response, which can indicate worsening rack wear. Inspect the inner faces of the rear brake discs for deep pitting or a pronounced ridge of corrosion, as the advisories specifically noted heavy corrosion on those faces, and listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear when pulling away. Confirm the rear brake pad material thickness directly with the seller, as they were flagged as wearing thin at the most recent test and may now require replacement. The suspension and tyre condition also merits direct evaluation. Both rear shock absorbers were noted as having reduced damping effect in 2025, so on the test drive the vehicle should be monitored for excessive rear-end bounce after pressing down on the boot corner, prolonged oscillation over undulating roads, or a generally unsettled ride compared to the front. The nearside rear tyre has been flagged in consecutive years for stepping on the inner edge and cracking or perishing, suggesting either an alignment issue at the rear, a worn component allowing uneven loading, or simply ageing rubber; a four-wheel alignment check and a fresh pair of rear tyres should be anticipated. Finally, given the mileage and the recent steering rack advisory, a lift inspection to check for any power steering fluid leaks around the rack boots and to verify the condition of the front lower arms and anti-roll bar drop links would be a prudent pre-purchase measure.