2019 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · OP14 AGE

The 2019 Ford Kuga’s most recent MOT, conducted on 15 July 2025 at 60,120 miles, passed without major defects, though it recorded a minor offside rear tyre cut that did not penetrate the ply. This suggests the vehicle remains roadworthy for now, but the history reveals a pattern of intermittent neglect rather than proactive maintenance. The absence of advisories in the last two tests contrasts sharply with the 2023 failure, where both a missing wheel fixing and thin front brake pads were recorded at the same mileage—an oversight that could indicate either a rushed inspection or a previous owner’s failure to address critical items before the test. The 2024 pass, with no defects noted, implies either corrective action was taken or the issues resolved themselves, but the recurrence of brake-related concerns warrants closer scrutiny. The mileage progression shows a consistent annual average of around 8,600 miles, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests—spanning 13,473 miles—is unusually long for a car that would normally undergo an MOT every 12 months. This suggests either the vehicle was out of service for an extended period or the previous owner delayed the test despite the critical faults identified in 2023. The subsequent 2024 test, just 13,760 miles later, indicates a return to regular use, but the lack of pre-test servicing records leaves open questions about whether necessary repairs were performed between failures. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the front wheel fixings and brake system, particularly the offside components, given the 2023 failure. The missing wheel nut could signal broader issues with wheel security or improper servicing, while the thin brake pads—if still present—would require immediate replacement to avoid binding calipers or compromised stopping performance. Suspension bushes and coil springs should also be examined for wear, as their degradation often correlates with mileage and load-bearing history. Finally, the offside rear tyre cut, though not currently critical, demands verification that it hasn’t worsened since the 2025 test, as rapid tread degradation could indicate underlying alignment or balancing issues. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and sills, should be checked given the vehicle’s age.