2012 Ford Kuga 2.0L Diesel · WN62 KMV

The 2012 Ford Kuga’s most recent MOT test on 2026-01-05 reveals a critical tyre failure, with three tyres—offside front, offside rear, and nearside front—all exceeding legal limits due to cuts penetrating the ply. Despite a passing grade for the offside front tyre’s minor cut, the vehicle failed outright on the rear and nearside fronts, indicating a pattern of neglect in tyre maintenance. The recurring oil leak advisories from 2023 and 2025 suggest a persistent fluid loss issue, though the severity remains classified as non-excessive. While the test passed in December 2023, the repeated tyre failures and oil leak advisories over three consecutive tests signal a worsening trend in basic upkeep rather than an improving one. The vehicle’s mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of approximately 10,044 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage for its age. However, the gaps between tests—particularly the 12-month intervals between 2023 and 2025—do not reveal any abrupt spikes in mileage, but they also lack evidence of proactive maintenance beyond the minimum legal requirements. The most recent test at 140,610 miles, just seven months ago, means the vehicle has not yet reached its next MOT due date, though the tyre failures alone would have necessitated immediate replacement regardless of the test outcome. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of all four tyres, focusing on the offside rear and nearside front, where cuts have penetrated structural integrity. The persistent oil leak advisories warrant checking the engine bay for signs of corrosion around the oil filter housing, oil pan gasket, or valve cover seals. Given the age of the vehicle, suspension components—particularly the rear bushings and coil springs—should be scrutinised for wear, as should the brake calipers and discs for uneven wear or binding, especially if the tester flagged rear brake issues in prior tests. Structural rust around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe is also a concern, given the vehicle’s age and exposure history.