2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · MM18 FBO

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but it carries advisories on all four tyres indicating they are worn close to the legal limit and on their edges, suggesting an immediate or near-term replacement requirement. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle has accumulated a consistent pattern of advisories rather than any repeat failure items, though two notable failures in the recent past warrant attention. The June 2025 test failure cited both front headlamps for aim too high as a presentable but straightforward rectification, while the earlier May 2024 failure recorded both front headlamps as aim too low, demonstrating that headlamp alignment has been a recurring concern and may indicate either adjustment sensitivity or underlying suspension or loading issues affecting beam geometry. Despite these isolated failures, the overall pattern shows the vehicle passing its tests and addressing issues, indicating a generally stable maintenance trend with the principal area of concern being tyre wear management and headlamp adjustment sensitivity. With 77,892 miles recorded over an eight-year lifespan, the Kuga averages approximately 9,700 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical UK usage parameters for a family SUV. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the annual MOT record, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent and steady rather than showing either extended periods of standing or unusually high accumulation in any single year. This kind of regular, moderate usage is generally favourable from a corrosion and component degradation standpoint, as it tends to keep fluids circulating, the battery charged, brakes freed from surface corrosion, and seals and flexibles regularly exercised. A prospective buyer should still verify that the indicated mileage is supported by a continuous service history with corresponding stamps, particularly given the recurring brake and tyre wear patterns observed. The advisory history reveals a clear and sustained theme around the braking and steering systems that warrants close inspection. The 2023 test recorded thin front and nearside rear brake pads, while the 2022 test noted front brake disc wear, and a 2024 advisory flagged play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. On a physical inspection and test drive, the buyer should therefore listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly indicative of worn steering or suspension components, and pay close attention to steering precision and any vagueness or vibration through the wheel which could signify deteriorating rack internals or track rod ends. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive without excess travel, and any juddering under braking or pulling to one side would suggest warped discs or uneven pad wear. Given the 2026 advisory of edge wear on all four tyres, the wheels should be examined for any signs of misalignment, and a four-wheel alignment check should be considered if not already recently performed, as uneven or inner-edge wear typically points to camber or toe settings outside specification. Beyond the recorded items, the age and mileage of this Kuga warrant a comprehensive check of items that degrade with calendar age irrespective of distance covered. Tyres fitted some time ago may exhibit sidewall perishing or cracking even if tread depth remains legal, and the 2025 advisories already flagged cracking and perishing on the rear tyres, so any replacement rubber should be confirmed as recent and undamaged. The 12V battery should be load tested as units beyond five years often show reduced cranking performance, and all fluid services should be verified, particularly brake fluid which absorbs moisture over a two-year cycle and engine coolant which loses corrosion protection. Given the 2022 wiper failure, the wiper linkage and motor operation should be checked for smooth and complete travel. Finally, the underside should be examined on a ramp for any fluid leaks from the power steering system given the steering rack advisory, along with general corrosion inspection on suspension arms, subframes, and brake lines, all of which become more vulnerable as the vehicle progresses into its middle age.