2016 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · WM65 LLP

The most recent MOT test on the 2016 Ford Kuga occurred on 2026-01-23, resulting in a passing grade with a single advisory regarding offside rear tyre wear on the inner edge. While this is a positive outcome, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues that suggest underlying wear and potential maintenance oversights. The 2025-11-24 test also recorded multiple advisories, including oil leaks and offside rear tyre perishing, alongside a failed test in 2025-11-21 due to a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, a non-working offside rear stop lamp, and low coolant levels with signs of leaks. These repeated failures and advisories indicate a trend of persistent mechanical and functional deficiencies, particularly concerning the suspension, braking, and fluid systems, which warrant careful attention from a prospective buyer. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 95,595 miles at the time of this assessment corresponds to an average annual usage of approximately 9,560 miles, which is consistent with typical driving patterns for a ten-year-old car. However, the MOT history does not provide explicit details on periods of inactivity or rapid mileage accumulation, which could influence wear rates. Higher-than-average mileage over a decade may accelerate consumption of consumables such as brake pads, tyres, and suspension components, while prolonged standing could exacerbate issues like standing corrosion on brake discs, caliper binding, or fluid degradation. The oil leak advisories and tyre pressure monitoring system failure further imply that the vehicle has likely experienced variable driving conditions or neglect in fluid top-ups and component checks. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the buyer should prioritise checking the suspension for signs of worn or cracked suspension bushes, coil springs, and dampers, as these components often fail progressively and can lead to clunking noises or uneven ride quality. The recurring tyre advisories, particularly the inner edge wear and perishing, indicate potential misalignment, incorrect tyre pressure, or excessive off-tracking, which should be addressed to prevent further tyre damage or hydroplaning risks. On a test drive, listen for unusual suspension clunks or rattles during cornering and braking, and watch for uneven tyre wear patterns, such as central grooving or inner edge scuffing, which may signal alignment or camber issues. Additionally, inspect the brake system for any signs of binding calipers, warped discs, or excessive pad wear beyond the advisory thresholds, as the thin pad advisories suggest impending brake failure if not serviced promptly. For fluid systems, the coolant leak advisories and low levels from previous MOTs highlight the need for a thorough check of the cooling system, including hoses, radiator, and water pump integrity, to prevent overheating and potential engine damage. The oil leak should be investigated further, as persistent oil loss could indicate a failing oil seal, valve cover gasket, or oil pan gasket, all of which require immediate replacement to avoid catastrophic engine failure. Lastly, given the vehicle’s age and the lack of a service history in the MOT records, the buyer should verify the condition of the 12V battery, as prolonged standing or high mileage can lead to battery corrosion or failure, particularly if the alternator is not functioning correctly. Check for any visible corrosion on terminals, ensure the battery is fully charged, and consider a professional test of its capacity. Time-based servicing of fluids such as brake fluid, differential fluid, and transmission fluid should also be undertaken, as these degrade over time regardless of mileage, and should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every two to three years, whichever comes first. Finally, a visual inspection for tyre sidewall perishing, cracks, or separation due to age is critical, as this can compromise tyre integrity and safety, especially on older vehicles.