2013 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · SP13 GLY

A recurring pattern of brake, driveshaft, and oil-related advisories dominates the MOT history of this 2013 Ford Kuga, suggesting these are chronic wear points rather than isolated incidents. The most recent test on 27 February 2026 was a pass, but it continued this trend with an advisory that the rear brake pads were wearing thin and a minor defect noting that the nearside front inner driveshaft constant velocity boot was severely deteriorated and slightly leaking. This CV boot issue is not new, having previously appeared on the offside front in February 2024, which points to both gaiters being vulnerable to perishing at this age and mileage. A more serious episode occurred at the February 2025 retest, where the rear brake pads were deemed dangerously thin at less than 1.5 mm, an item that had been flagged as wearing thin on the offside rear outer pad just twelve months earlier. The earlier 2023 fail related primarily to lighting and washer deficiencies rather than structural or braking concerns, but the overall record shows a vehicle whose consumable components are being flagged with regularity across consecutive tests. The recorded mileage of 164,694 against a thirteen-year age equates to roughly 12,669 miles per year, which is well above the national average and confirms that this Kuga has seen sustained, fairly intensive use rather than occasional or light running. There is an unusually wide gap in the testing history, with no recorded MOTs between October 2020 and February 2023, and given that this vehicle would have required a test from late 2016 onwards, the absence of records across that two-and-a-bit-year window is a notable gap in the documented history. During the period where tests are recorded, mileage accumulation appears consistent with steady year-round use. Mechanically, the higher annual mileage combined with the recorded defects suggests greater wear on braking components, suspension bushes, driveshaft joints, and engine sealing, all of which are reflected in the advisories on file. Given the recurring brake pad advisories culminating in a dangerous failure, a prospective buyer should thoroughly inspect the braking system before purchase. The rear pads were the specific failure point in 2025, but the offside rear outer pad was also flagged as thin in 2024, so both axles should be checked for remaining friction material thickness, while discs should be measured for minimum spec and scored or lipped surfaces. Calipers should be examined for binding or uneven pad wear, and the brake pipes and flexible hoses inspected for corrosion or cracking, particularly given the vehicle's age and exposure to winter road salt. A test drive should include firm braking from around 30 mph to check for pulling, judder, or a spongy pedal, and the handbrake holding ability on an incline should be confirmed. The persistent oil leak advisory across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests suggests a chronic engine sealing issue, most likely from valve cover gaskets or a front crankshaft seal given that none have escalated to a failure. On inspection, the engine bay and undertray should be checked for wet oil residue, and the area around the cam cover and timing chain housing examined for staining. The constant velocity boot defects on both sides also warrant close attention, as perished gaiters will eventually allow grease loss and joint contamination, leading to vibration under load or clicking on full lock. On a test drive, listen for driveshaft clicking during tight low-speed manoeuvres and feel for any vibration through the steering or floor under acceleration. Finally, the minor windscreen damage noted in 2024 and 2025 should be inspected for any progression that could affect the driver's view, and the registration plate lamp and front position lamp, which have failed in 2025, should be confirmed as functioning across all settings.