2018 Ford Kuga 1.5L Diesel · YA67 UNM

A pattern of rear suspension bush deterioration has emerged across the most recent test history of this 2018 Ford Kuga, culminating in two identical advisories recorded at the February 2026 pass where the nearside rear axle trailing arm bush bonding was noted as deteriorated but not yet resulting in excessive movement. This defect first appeared as an advisory on the immediately preceding test, which was a dangerous failure on 27 February 2026 due to an offside front tyre with tread depth below the 1.6mm legal limit, alongside an advisory for a nearside front tyre worn on its inner edge down to 1.8mm. The vehicle then passed the following day after the dangerous defect was rectified, but the rear trailing arm bush advisory was carried forward and repeated. The earlier history between 2021 and 2025 showed clean passes with no defects in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025, and only tyre-related advisories in 2024. The recent clustering of advisories and a dangerous failure indicates a deteriorating mechanical trajectory at this mileage, particularly around the rear suspension geometry and tyre wear rates. At 93,769 miles against a registration age of approximately eight years, this Kuga is accumulating just over 11,700 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with average mixed-use mileage for its age. The testing record shows no significant gaps in annual MOT compliance, with tests recorded consecutively from 2021 through 2026, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up. Mileage progression cannot be verified from the records provided, but the steady annual testing cadence indicates consistent road usage. Mechanically, a mid-tens-of-thousands mileage on a Kuga of this age places typical demand on the original suspension components, brake discs and pads, clutch or dual-clutch dry clutch elements, and exhaust system, and the recent advisories align with wear patterns one would expect at this point in the vehicle's life. The recurring rear axle trailing arm bush advisory is the most pressing area for buyer attention. These bonded rubber bushes progressively soften and separate from their metal carriers, ultimately allowing rear axle movement that affects tracking, tyre wear, and handling stability. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear under load over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and observe whether the rear end feels unsettled or steps out during direction changes. Visually inspect the trailing arms for cracking, separation, or swelling of the rubber, and check the inner edges of the rear tyres for uneven wear patterns that would indicate the geometry has already been compromised. Replacement involves new complete trailing arms rather than bush pressing on most Kuga variants, so obtaining a quotation from a specialist is advisable before purchase. The dangerous tyre failure on the offside front and the inner-edge wear noted on the nearside front suggest the front geometry and possibly the suspension components should be examined alongside the rear. On a test drive, feel for pulling to one side under braking, steering vibration at speed, or a loose, wandering front end over poor surfaces which could indicate worn front bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar links. The 2024 advisories for both rear tyres showing cracking, perishing, and cuts indicate previous tyre ageing issues, so all four tyres should be inspected for sidewall condition and manufacture date even if tread depth is acceptable. Given the front brake pad advisories from the same 2026 test, a thorough brake inspection covering pad material thickness, disc condition and lipping, and caliper slide pin operation is warranted, and any signs of binding or uneven disc wear should be addressed before further mileage is accumulated.