2023 Ford Kuga Vignale Phev CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric · WH23 KVM

The 2023 Ford Kuga Vignale PHEV CVT has achieved a passing MOT result on 2026-06-25, with only two advisories recorded: an offside rear tyre exhibiting excessive wear at the outer edge and a nearside rear tyre showing balding at its outer tread. This latest test follows a clean MOT history, indicating that the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness and compliance with legal standards remain stable over the past year. The absence of failures or repeated advisories suggests that the maintenance schedule has been consistently followed, though the advisories themselves—particularly the balding tyre—highlight areas requiring closer attention to prevent further degradation or safety risks. The presence of these advisories does not currently affect the vehicle’s operational capability but must be addressed promptly to avoid compromising tyre integrity or road safety. The recorded mileage of 22,162 miles for a three-year-old vehicle reflects a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,387 miles per annum, which is within the expected range for this model’s age and typical driving conditions. Such mileage accumulation is generally manageable for a PHEV with a CVT transmission, as the continuous variable transmission is designed to handle variable speeds and loads without excessive wear on internal components. However, the consistent mileage suggests the vehicle has been in regular use, which may accelerate wear on consumables such as brake pads, suspension components, and fluid systems. It is also worth noting that lower mileage figures could sometimes indicate periods of prolonged stationary use, which can exacerbate issues like brake disc corrosion, standing corrosion on suspension or exhaust components, or degradation of fluids due to stagnation. For this vehicle, the mileage profile does not warrant immediate concern but underscores the importance of monitoring fluid levels and component health over time. Given the clean MOT history aside from the tyre advisories, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to the observed tyre wear or could affect the vehicle’s long-term reliability. First and foremost, the advisories on the rear tyres—particularly the balding outer edge—demand immediate attention. The wear pattern suggests either underinflation, excessive load on that axle, or improper alignment, all of which can accelerate tyre degradation. On a test drive, listen for signs of uneven tyre wear, such as clunking noises from one side or excessive vibration that could indicate misalignment or suspension misalignment. Inspect the rear tyres for cracks or separation in the sidewall, as this can lead to sudden blowouts, and ensure the tread depth meets legal requirements (minimum 1.6mm). Additionally, check the rear suspension components for signs of wear, such as cracked or swollen suspension bushes, which could contribute to the tyre wear pattern or cause clunking noises when driving over bumps. Beyond the tyres, the buyer should verify the vehicle’s fluid levels and condition, as prolonged use without maintenance can lead to degradation of critical fluids. Start by checking the brake fluid reservoir for leaks or contamination, as brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, reducing effectiveness and risking hydraulic failure. Inspect the brake discs and pads for signs of excessive heat damage, corrosion, or binding calipers, which may indicate prolonged standing or inefficient braking systems. The CVT transmission fluid should be checked for colour and viscosity; if it appears dark or has a burnt smell, it should be replaced according to Ford’s service schedule, which typically recommends fluid changes every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Finally, examine the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections, as standing vehicles can accelerate corrosion, and test the battery’s charge capacity to ensure it remains capable of supporting the PHEV’s electrical demands. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, a comprehensive service history check—such as confirming the timing belt replacement (if applicable) and CVT fluid service—would also provide reassurance about the vehicle’s long-term mechanical integrity.