2017 Ford Kuga 1.5L Petrol · T8 JTA

The 2017 Ford Kuga presents a clear pattern of recurring tyre deterioration on the nearside rear wheels, with successive MOT tests since 2021 consistently flagging the same nearside rear tyre as worn close to legal limits and worn on the inner edge requiring replacement soon. This persistent issue appears alongside multiple instances of nearside rear brake pads becoming low and subsequently front tyre deterioration on both sides, creating a measurable advisory burden across the vehicle's nine-year history. While the most recent test on 2025-09-23 returned passed, the cumulative advisory trail demonstrates that the underlying problem has not been resolved and remains active, indicating a mechanical story dominated by progressive rubber wear and brake system degradation rather than sporadic failures. With 87,695 recorded miles on a 2017 model year vehicle, the average annual mileage accumulation stands at approximately 9,744 miles, which aligns with expected usage for a car of this age but masks the accelerated wear indicated by the tyre advisories. The gap between the clean 2020-10-05 MOT and the first set of advisories in late 2021 suggests a period of increasing stress on the tyres and brake components prior to their resolution, while the steady progression through subsequent tests shows either gradual repair cycles or continued deterioration depending on how quickly repairs were addressed. This mileage profile, combined with the sustained tyre warnings, implies that the suspension geometry and brake wear have been under significant load throughout the vehicle's operational life. The nearside rear tyres exhibiting consistent inner-edge wear and sidewall cracking point to potential fatigue of the suspension bushings and control arm bushings on that axle, which would manifest as a hard ride, pulling to one side, or increased vibration during cornering. When conducting a test drive, pay close attention to whether the car pulls noticeably to the left or right, particularly when negotiating bends, and listen for any creaking or clunking sounds that could indicate worn bushings or damaged tie rod ends. The adjacent nearside front tyres also showed similar inner-edge wear and cracking on later records, reinforcing that the issue is likely bilateral in nature and affecting both axles equally. Brake-related advisories spanning the nearside rear, offside rear, and front brake pads suggest that pad material has been significantly reduced and possibly contributing to caliper wear or rotor distortion over time. During the test drive, monitor the brake pedal for any sponginess or a sudden loss of pressure, and ensure the pads engage smoothly without grinding noise. The combination of thin front and rear brake pad warnings, along with the persistent tyre problems, indicates that the braking system requires immediate attention regardless of the current passing status, and the owner should verify pad thickness measurements and caliper operation before committing to purchase.