2023 Ford Kuga ST-Line X Phev CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · GD23 NOU

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2023 Ford Kuga ST-Line X PHEV CVT was conducted on 2 July 2026, resulting in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. With only a single MOT entry on file, it is difficult to construct a long-term trend analysis, as the Kuga would not have been required to undergo its first MOT until the third anniversary of its registration. The clean pass suggests the vehicle is presently roadworthy and that any safety-critical components such as the braking system, suspension, steering, lighting, tyres, and exhaust emissions were within statutory tolerance at the time of examination. However, the absence of prior test data means a prospective buyer cannot rely on historical defect patterns to forecast future maintenance requirements, and the single pass should be treated as a snapshot rather than confirmation of consistent mechanical upkeep. The recorded mileage of 16,145 miles over an approximate three-year ownership period equates to around 5,382 miles per year, which is considerably below the national average and indicates that this Kuga PHEV has been used lightly. Low annual mileage of this nature can be beneficial in terms of limiting wear on the engine, clutch or transmission, and general drivetrain components, but it also carries inherent risks associated with prolonged standing. Components such as brake discs and calipers are prone to surface corrosion and binding when a vehicle is used infrequently, and the high-voltage battery pack fitted to this plug-in hybrid variant benefits from regular use to maintain optimal charge capacity and cell balance. Any extended periods of inactivity may also have allowed moisture to accumulate within the unused cylinder, potentially leading to oil degradation and reduced lubrication effectiveness on restart. Given the clean MOT record and the low-mileage usage profile, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than wear-based defects. Tyres on a lightly driven vehicle of this age should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of tread depth, and original fitments may now be approaching the end of their service life even if the tread remains within legal limits. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which powers ancillary systems and supports the hybrid control module, should be tested for state of health, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer from reduced battery capacity due to insufficient charging cycles. Brake discs should be examined for any signs of corrosion pitting or uneven surfaces, and calipers should be checked for smooth operation, as seized caliper sliders are a common issue on vehicles that have stood for prolonged intervals. Fluid servicing on this Kuga should also be verified regardless of the low odometer reading, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades on a calendar basis, typically requiring replacement every two to three years irrespective of mileage. Engine oil and the transmission fluid in the CVT should be inspected for condition and confirmed against the manufacturer's service schedule, as time-based servicing remains critical even when mileage thresholds have not been reached. The high-voltage battery system and its associated cooling circuits should be checked for any fault codes using diagnostic equipment, ensuring the plug-in hybrid powertrain is functioning correctly and that no degradation in electric range has occurred from extended standing. Finally, a thorough road test should be conducted to verify smooth transitions between electric and petrol power, free operation of the regenerative braking system, and the absence of any warning lights or unusual noises from the suspension, which on low-mileage examples can suffer from dried or perished bushes that only become apparent under load.