2016 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · ST66 FVO

The most recent MOT on 30 March 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, mirroring the clean results of the 2025 and 2022 tests. However, the advisory pattern over the last few years shows a gradual increase in wear‑related items – tyre sidewall perishing on both rear wheels in 2024, rear brake pads approaching the minimum thickness at the same time, and a front tyre edging close to the legal limit in 2023. This suggests that while the vehicle remains road‑worthy, the wear rate on consumables is accelerating and will soon require remedial work. At ten years old the Kuga has logged only 51 086 mi, equating to roughly 5 100 mi per annum – well below the industry average for a family SUV. Such low annual mileage often indicates periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage. Vehicles that sit for extended intervals are prone to rubber perishing, battery sulphation, and corrosion of brake components, whereas the modest mileage itself reduces the likelihood of cumulative wear on engine internals, transmission gears and suspension bushings. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre condition. The advisories for rear sidewall cracking point to perishing rather than tread wear, a symptom of age‑related rubber degradation that can lead to sudden tread separation, especially under cornering loads. Inspect the sidewalls for dry rot, bulges or exposed cords, and verify that the tread depth on all four tyres exceeds 3 mm and is evenly distributed. The front right tyre flagged for edge wear should be measured for depth across the tread face; uneven wear may indicate mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or a sticking front‑right brake caliper. A test‑drive should be conducted at moderate speed, listening for any thumping or vibration that could betray tyre damage, and checking for steering pull that would confirm alignment issues. The rear brake pads were noted as thin in the 2024 MOT, a condition that typically precedes the need for pad replacement within a few thousand miles and may expose the underlying discs to excessive heat. Verify the pad thickness visually or with a feeler gauge; pads below 2 mm will require immediate fitting and the discs should be examined for scoring or glazing. While the vehicle’s low mileage reduces the probability of worn suspension components, it is still prudent to check the condition of the coil springs, shock absorbers and bushings for corrosion or loss of compliance, especially if the car has been stationary for long periods. Finally, confirm the health of the 12 V battery (voltage and cranking performance), ensure that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed in line with calendar intervals rather than mileage, and request any service book stamps to corroborate regular maintenance. Addressing these age‑related items now will help avoid unexpected failures and preserve the Kuga’s reliability.