2017 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · M4 DSJ

The 2017 Ford Kuga presents a stable and largely improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 31 July 2025 at 58,642 miles. That most recent test recorded only minor advisories for both rear tyres sitting close to wear indicators and exhibiting tread cracking, with no failure items. This marks a clear step forward from the 2022 failure, where the tester flagged worn front brake pads, excessive exhaust emissions, and oil-misting rear shock absorbers. The intervening tests in 2023 and 2024 passed without any defects, suggesting the previous owner addressed those mechanical issues and has since kept the car in reasonable order. The mileage pattern is consistent and unremarkable for a nine-year-old vehicle. The car covered roughly 5,415 miles between the July 2024 and July 2025 tests, and the longer-term average sits around 6,500 miles per year. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record. The annual July test cycle has been maintained without interruption since at least 2022, which itself indicates a degree of owner diligence. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and braking components. The 2022 failure noted light oil misting on both rear shock absorbers, a condition that can degrade damping performance and accelerate bush wear if left unresolved. Although the subsequent two tests passed clean, the underlying dampers are now four years older and should be checked for fresh oil seepage, knocking over compression, or uneven ride height. The rear tyres flagged in 2025 for tread cracking also warrant close scrutiny, as aged rubber can indicate prolonged standing or underinflation, both of which stress the sidewall structure. The front brake pads were recorded as wearing thin in 2022, and while the car has since passed two further tests without a repeat advisory, a buyer should verify pad thickness and disc condition directly. The exhaust emissions failure in 2022, recorded at 0.86 against a 0.50 limit, points to a historical combustion or catalyst efficiency issue that may have been resolved with a repair or replacement component. A live emissions check and a scan for historic or pending fault codes would confirm whether that repair has held. Overall, the record suggests a car that has moved from a period of neglect into steadier upkeep, but the age-related wear items around the rear end deserve hands-on verification before purchase.