2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · FA18 AFY

This 2018 Ford Kuga presents a clean and reassuring DVSA roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test on 19 June 2025 returning a pass and no advisories or defects of any kind recorded. Across the available history, every entry shows a pass with no advisory items noted against the vehicle, indicating that wear-related items such as tyres, brake components, suspension, exhaust, and lighting have remained within MOT thresholds throughout the testing period. The single failure logged on 1 June 2023 was immediately followed by a pass the very next day with no defects recorded, which strongly suggests it was an administrative or rectification issue that was corrected prior to re-test rather than a genuine mechanical concern. Overall, the trend is one of consistent compliance with no escalating pattern of deterioration visible in the official record. With 85,327 miles recorded against an eight-year age, the Kuga has averaged roughly 10,666 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical expectations for a family SUV of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest prolonged off-road storage, nor are there any rapid mileage jumps between tests that might indicate inconsistent or commercial use. The accumulation rate is high enough to imply regular motorway and A-road usage, which generally promotes engine and drivetrain longevity through consistent warm operation, while still leaving the vehicle short of the sort of mileage where major mechanical interventions such as clutch or timing component replacements become statistically likely. From a buyer inspection standpoint, although no specific components have been flagged in the MOT history, the age and mileage place this Kuga firmly in the window where common Ford Kuga wear items warrant close physical scrutiny. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the anti-roll bar bushes, lower wishbone arms, and front subframe mounting points, which are known to degrade on this model. Pay attention to steering behaviour, noting any pulling to one side, vibration through the wheel at speed, or looseness that could indicate worn drop links or tie rod ends, and check for uneven front tyre wear which often betrays alignment or suspension issues before they become audibly obvious. Brake feel should also be evaluated carefully despite the clean MOT record. Test for firmness of pedal travel, any grinding or scraping noises from the calipers indicating worn pads or seized slide pins, and pull under heavy braking that might suggest a binding caliper. Inspect the underside for any signs of oil misting or weeping from the engine or transmission, as well as corrosion around the brake lines, fuel lines, and subframe, all areas that can deteriorate progressively even when a vehicle continues to pass. Finally, verify that all warning lamps extinguish promptly on ignition, that the cooling fan operates correctly, and that the electronic handbrake releases and re-applies smoothly, as these electrical and parking brake systems are common failure points on Kugas of this generation and are worth confirming directly rather than relying on MOT history alone.