2015 Ford Kuga 1.5L Petrol · EX65 KMM

A pattern of repeat exhaust leaks and recurring advisories on the front suspension and rear brakes defines the mechanical picture of this 2015 Ford Kuga, with two MOT failures in the last four tests confirming that not every defect has been resolved between visits. The most recent outcome on 29 July 2026 was a Pass, but it carried forward identical advisories from the failed attempt the day before, namely a minor exhaust gas leak and worn front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides. The earlier fail on that date was caused by parking brake efficiency below requirements, a separate issue from the advisories but one that sits alongside an exhaust major leak recorded at the 2024 test and a dangerous pair of front tyres and an exhaust major leak at the 2022 test. Taken together, four of the seven recorded tests contain at least one major or dangerous defect, and the exhaust system in particular has been flagged in three separate years, which suggests chronic rather than isolated deterioration in that area. Recorded mileage stands at 79,500 miles over eleven years, an annual accumulation of roughly 7,200 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic, with no obvious gaps that would suggest a long period off the road, so the components flagged in the advisories should be regarded as normal wear items reaching the end of their service life rather than the consequences of either neglect orstanding idle. That said, even at a moderate annual mileage the brake discs and pads noted in 2022 and 2024, the suspension bushes flagged repeatedly, and the tyres that were illegal in 2022 are all parts that degrade in direct proportion to distance covered, so a buyer should expect further intervention on these consumables in the near term. A prospective buyer should pay close attention on a test drive to the behaviour of the front suspension, given that worn arm pins or bushes were recorded on both sides at the most recent test. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front corners when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or rough tarmac, and feel for vagueness or looseness through the steering, particularly over mid-corner bumps where worn bushes commonly allow the arms to deflect. With the same pair of advisories appearing in 2026, the components are likely to have deteriorated further since, so an uneven or sloppy feel to the front end, or any visible cracking or distortion of the bush housings on a ramp inspection, would warrant a reduction in price to cover replacement. The rear brake disc and pad advisories from 2024 should prompt a check for any grinding, pulsing, or vibration through the brake pedal, particularly under firm application, as the offside rear disc was noted as wearing at that point and another eighteen months of use will have advanced that wear. The exhaust history deserves particular scrutiny because major leaks were recorded in both 2022 and 2024, and a minor leak remains advisories at present. With the vehicle now eleven years old and approaching 80,000 miles, exhaust components such as the mid-pipe joint, mounting rubbers, and rear silencer are typically approaching the end of their service life, and any signs of black soot around joints, a metallic rattle on start-up that disappears as the system warms, or a change in engine note under load would suggest the leak has progressed beyond the advisories stage. The parking brake failure at the 2026 test is another item to verify, as cable stretch, seized rear caliper mechanisms, or worn shoes can all cause the lever to travel excessively without holding the vehicle on a slope, so the car should be tested on an incline to confirm the handbrake holds without creeping. Finally, the engine management light that triggered a major defect in 2024 should be queried with the vendor to confirm the fault was properly diagnosed and rectified rather than simply cleared, as intermittent or recurring MIL illumination on Kugas of this era has been associated with issues ranging from sensor failures to more serious emission control faults that may resurface.