2016 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · SC16 LRO

The most recent MOT test on 30 October 2025 resulted in a pass, but the volume and severity of the advisories indicate a deteriorating maintenance trend. While previous years showed a relatively clean history with only occasional tyre wear, the latest report highlights multiple concurrent issues across the braking system, tyres, and suspension. This suggests a shift from preventative maintenance to a reactive approach, where several critical wear items are now reaching the end of their service life simultaneously. The vehicle has covered 78,358 miles over approximately ten years, averaging around 7,836 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class, meaning the drivetrain and engine have likely experienced a balanced mix of urban and motorway driving. At this mileage, standard wear on consumables is expected, but the current MOT data suggests that the suspension and braking components are now entering a phase of significant degradation that requires immediate attention to maintain roadworthiness. Particular attention must be paid to the rear trailing arm bushes, which were noted as severely deteriorated. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking sounds from the rear of the vehicle when traversing uneven surfaces or during gear changes. The recurring advisories regarding tyres worn on the edges suggest a potential misalignment or worn suspension components affecting the wheel geometry. Inspect the tread depth across the full width of the front tyres and check for irregular wear patterns, which would confirm the need for a four-wheel alignment and the replacement of the trailing arm bushes to prevent premature tyre failure. The braking system requires immediate scrutiny due to the reports of thin offside front pads and a fluctuating front service brake. A fluctuating brake pedal often indicates issues with the brake discs, such as warping or uneven surface wear, which can manifest as a shudder or vibration through the steering wheel during deceleration. You should verify if the brake pads and discs have been replaced since the last test. Additionally, given the vehicle's age, ensure the brake fluid has been changed according to the manufacturer's calendar-based intervals to prevent internal corrosion of the calipers and ABS module.