2017 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · FG17 KFA

The 2017 Ford Kuga passed its most recent MOT on 30 March 2026 at 56,476 miles, but the maintenance trend is not stable. Two recurring issues have persisted across multiple tests without resolution. Both rear shock absorbers have shown a light misting of oil since at least the March 2025 test at 52,839 miles, and the March 2026 test at 56,476 miles confirmed the same fault remains. A separate advisory for cracking or perishing tyres on all four wheels appeared only in the latest test, suggesting a new deterioration that was not present a year earlier. The vehicle has not failed an MOT, yet the pattern of unresolved suspension wear and fresh tyre degradation points to a gradual decline in attention to basic upkeep. Mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a vehicle of this age. Between March 2022 at 37,828 miles and March 2026 at 56,476 miles, the Kuga covered roughly 18,648 miles over four years, averaging around 4,662 miles per year. The annual MOT intervals are evenly spaced, with no long gaps in testing and no sudden spikes in recorded distance that would suggest extended periods of high-intensity use or tampering. The odometer reading aligns with the service pattern, so there is no immediate cause for concern regarding mileage anomalies. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and the overall condition of the tyre set. The persistent oil misting on both rear shock absorbers indicates the units are weeping fluid, which typically precedes a loss of damping efficiency. While the defect has not yet escalated to a failure, the two-year advisory trail suggests the components are deteriorating slowly and will likely require replacement in the near term. Check for uneven ride height, excessive bounce over speed bumps, and any knocking from the rear axle area. Inspect the tyre sidewalls closely for cracking or perishing, especially on the inner edges, as these were flagged on all four wheels during the March 2026 test. Confirm the date codes on each tyre to determine whether the cracking is age-related, which would imply the set is approaching the end of its safe service life regardless of remaining tread depth. The braking system warrants a brief check given the March 2024 advisory for a worn offside rear brake pad at 49,066 miles. Although no further brake defects have appeared since, the Kuga has covered roughly 7,400 miles in the two years since that test. Examine the rear pad thickness and disc condition for uneven scoring or lipping. Overall, the record shows a vehicle that has been kept legally roadworthy but not proactively maintained. The combination of long-standing suspension wear and fresh tyre perishing suggests a previous owner who addressed only the minimum requirements to pass each annual test rather than resolving underlying faults.