FORD KUGA BUYERS GUIDE (MK2/2.5) | All Common Problems EXPOSED 

We have two 2015 2litre diesels with manual gearboxes in the family , both are used for towing, Apart from usual servicing items and battery replacement , Neither of them have had a single problem between them. I have another relative who has been impressed with Kuga and got himself one of the later models,

I can only share my 9 years of personal experience with my current 2014 1.6 manual Kuga. (135000 km) And that is a trouble-free absolute pleasant motoring experience. What a drive. Superb car. ❤

Had a manual 1.5 Tdci since 2017 now on 61k without a single problem, 45 mpg comfortable good sound system good ride nice steering and gearshift, Had far more expensive cars but been pleased with this.

Hiya mate, you actually saved me and my wife from wasting £10k on a 2016 pre-face lift with powershift so thank you very much, you earnt my sub. We were literally heading out to buy it today, finance sorted and everything.

Now on my 4th, a Kuga Vignale, best cars I’ve ever had and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another, you can make a video like this on all models, they’ve all got good n bad points

Have a 2017 Kuga, bought 2019, garage retired so had to go to another main dealer. From day one had issue with shuddering, going limp and smoke. Brought to Ford garage who did DPF regen, engine light back on, had difficulty getting them to fix anything. Have gone to 5 more garages in reasonable distance (rural), only this June to go full circle back to Ford. Same problem - shuddering, black smoke, repeated different error codes, limp mode etc. Left for a month with Ford garage who said it was the turbo and £2k plus to fix. They put it in and it didn't fix it, so got it back exactly the same as they consulted Ford who said its the 'brain' or computer etc. Found out that one of the other mechanics drilled out the DPF and 'remapped' it and welded up a plate underneath (I think ERG) as part of their 'fixing' the problem. Ford said if they put in the new brain system, the whole DPF thing will have to be undone and refitted at another 2k plus. Meanwhile my arguments with them that is was faulty way back then went unheard, warranty ran out during lockdown when I couldn't get an appointment with them and now I've had such an array of error messages that everyone wants to charge to fix when in fact the computer is absolutely screwed up from the start. What do you do with that issue? Wouldn't touch another Ford again - left with a heap that can be barely driven, can't be traded in for anything worth value, and in a rural area lost without transport. Wish I had of looked up all of the boards and info before I took it on.

I had a mk2 and the rear diff failed with NO oil leak fords knew about the problem but refused to acknowledge the fact at the time openly (2021) but wanted £3k to replace as no recon units were available at the time and believe me I tried very hard.

I watched this video buddy before ordering a 24 plate st line Self charging hybrid. I've never driven automatic before, but this is a lovely gearbox. I'm 6ft +, so I was worried about switching from Volvo to ford, but I fucking love it. So much space, speed, tech. I'd still choose a manual if I wasn't scared of my wife, but the gearbox is much better than I thought it would be. 👍

Nice review m8 👍🏼. I purchased a 2018 ford kuga st line x. About 2 years ago. It had just over 4000 miles on the clock. I had the boot leak problem, It usually is the boot seal, Especially if its an automatic open close boot. My alternator went at 11000m. Cost me £600 to get it fixed. Apart from that, it has been the best motor i have owned to this day. You can tell the all wheel drive works as if you select the right mode on the computer system. It shows you which drive part is getting used. Mines is the diesel 175bhp. Pulling out in the rain or dry from a junction is rapid untill about 45mph lol. Torque power is great. I get 34mpg about town. I can get 51mpg on motorway. Not the best, but it is an all wheel drive, automatic with all the gadgets you would need. Mine came with 19 inch wheels. Although the st line version can handle well on tight roads. It is absolutely horrendous on potholes or even bumping up a curb. Damaged 2 tyres and a wheel at a cost of nearly 1 thousand pounds 😢. It was purchased from a Ford dealer and has only been in ford dealerships.

Thanks for the tips, I'm looking for a 2017 st line with auto box and all wheel drive, I was halfway convinced, now it's a given.

We are just about to trade in our 2017 Kuga 2.0l diesel AWD STI Line for a brand new Kuga STI Line plugin hybrid. I love our current one but there has been an intermittent whine been developing since last year. I asked the dealers to check last year when it was being serviced but they came back as finding no issues just said road noise or the fact we had wind deflectors fitted. I knew otherwise but couldn’t provide the evidence, now it’s pretty constant and a few knowledgeable people I know have suggested the diff maybe starting to fail so having the fear of a massive bill we have decided to jump before the issue fully develops. Also I know another Kuga owner who had a preface lift model and had that gearbox issue and it cost him £3000 to get the old one out either and serviced or a reconditioned one put in along with a new clutch, making it no longer cost effective for him to sell/trade the vehicle in.

I took a 2014 pre facelift for a test drive few days ago. I heard what sounds like a bad wheel bearing at the rear. Dealership has noted this and said they will look into it so I will 100% be checking to see if the drive shafts are there thank you

2:55 Forgot to mention the 1.5 EB leaking coolant into the cylinders. There's also a rust issue, where the forward facing end of the rear taillights will rub through the paint. Both sides. Covered under warranty and will cause the car to be at the dealer for 4 days because it's gonna get painted. But a great negotiating point if you're buying from a seller who doesn't know about it.

What about the newer models (2021 +)?

I have the mk2 model 180hp with automatic transmission and can assure you the powershift for 150k km is working fine without any problems, sounds and hiccups.

I have 2016 TitaniumX 2.0l diesel TDCI. Euro6 compliant PSA DW10FC engine and produces 400Nm at 2000rpm, around 340Nm at 1500rpm. Once the turbo is spooled it pulls up hills at low revs like a love sick angel!! Living on IOM quite a lot of slope work and Im getting 38.5mpg. Its lowest fuel consumption is 2500rpm so I reckon that is around 80mph.. more efficient the faster you go because 6th gear is overdriven! Thirsty and lumpy for town driving so it really is a distance car! A very good all rounder, great comfort, efficient, nice to drive, 4WD, heated windscreen, dont need gimmicks or SatNav... if you buy a Kuga, make sure you have a spare wheel in the boot and avoid Crappy Start/Stop batteries, they fail quickly and without any warning. If you have keyless entry then disable it for extra security, you DONT need it. Any questions just ask

Great video 👍 The DPF vaporiser failed on my 64 plate 2.0 Kuga and the engine management light came on when the DPF was 240 percent blocked according to the diagnostics, so like you say, a costly repair. Another thing that fails on a lot of them including mine is the little screen in the instrument cluster. The clocks had to be sent away for a refurb which was about £300 including labour. It’s been an expensive year but I love the car so sucked it up!

1.6 ecoboost is the better engine to have in one of these, my auntie has a 65 plate one and shes had so many cars and always breaks them, or they break, or they get vandalised or theyre a bmw or a vauxhall astra 2005 that blows its head gasket, she had a seat ibiza that was her second most reliable car, she had a ford focus MK2.5 that was reliable, then a lorry reversed into it, the car was perfectly drivable but as it had caused a dent and small hole in the boot door, insurance deemed a new door cost more than the car was worth so it was a write off, then she got her late 2015 ford kuga, its nearly 9 years old and its good condition, she got it in 2020 so shes had it like 4 years and only thing needed fixing was an electrical connector, that in itself wasnt causing a problem except for a noise would occur when it came loose, her mechanic just soldered a new one on, now its perfect and has been her most reliaable car, and ts the 1.6 ecoboost, and it is Fast

Just what I needed I'm looking for a kuga

My 1.5 diesel kuga working well no problems. They say ecoboost is nightmare many problems

2018 diesel auto version. 2 driveshafts at 70k, flywheel at 50k roof rattle at 20k. Other than that it’s a good car (and the roof has a sponge in it)

i know of... well actually im in it 2 days a week, and its a 2007 ford s max 2.0 diesel with an automatic, the gearbox is perfect on it

Something not mentioned for the AWD versions - lots of reported problems with the power transfer unit (PTU) - the unit that hangs off the end of the gearbox and sends power from front to back via the prop shaft. There's a history of them failing as they don't hold much oil, has no air flow over it, and they get hot from the adjacent exhaust, cat, and gearbox that surrounds them. 'Sealed for life' say Ford. In other words sealed until they fail just out of the rubbish 3 year warranty. The oil turns to sticky gunky tar due to the heat. And older versions have no drain plug either ! Everywhere except Ford recommends changing the oil in it frequently (using a suction pump if it's a version with no drain plug).

Some 2016 pre facelift models have the newer box, if your kuga is euro 6 emissions then you have the newer gearbox which im led to believe is fine 👍🏻

Had bad egg smell twice cured by replacing pollen filter. Previous Kuga had a faulty battery from new . Took 19 months including contacting Ford complaints before they replaced it!! Different car when replacement battery fitted!!

You had me worried!!! About to purchase a 2016 prefacelift 2.0d powershift tomorrow. But thankfully it's the Euro 6 180bhp (not the Euro 5 163bhp), so has the newer gearbox. Hope this helps to clarify things for others

How do you fix the boot leak? Looking to buy a Kuga soon and heard of this being an issue on some cars.

clutches failed in the power shifts, when they work right theyre amazing, when they go wrong theyre the worst

Thanks for the thorough report. Think you are too generous with your scoring. If Ford cannot be bothered to to complete a thorough R and D on their vehicles then I can't be bothered to part with my hard earned. Same goes for VW 's you have reviewed. My money would always be spent on a Toyota, Suzuki , Honda or maybe Mazda. The chances of serious problems (if looked after) on these Japanese brands is very low

thanks I drove Ford for 12+ years but currently they have nothing good on offer for me, I'm sure people think it's a good car but they just haven't driven much else to think that it's an "ok" car and btw the Ford manual specifically says that the awd must not be used on anything else than a regular road :/ considering I need an SUV specifically to be able to go where my Focus is too low for mountain forest and farm roads it was another nail in the coffin

Just bought a 2023 FHEV graphite tech edition. Arrives January.

The Diesels are pretty reliable. The 2.0 diesel has both a timing belt and a timing chain. The chain should be fine when maintained properly but the belt obviously need to be replaced at the interval. The smaller 1.5 TDCi is also pretty reliable and has a timing belt. The 1.5 EcoBoost petrol can have problems though where they can leak coolant into the cylinders.

Wish I'd seen this video (or similar) back in 2018 when I picked up a 64 plate one. Looks like at 157k the box has finally said 'NO' and the prices for a new box are about the same as the car. The DPF got killed driving around Bristol at 20mph, and the alternator went kapput after 4 years. I love the car, its been a stalwart for the last 6 years - but it also appears that the box is the ticking timebomb that will eventually hobble it.

great video about the Kuga, I've got 2018 ST Line X 180 auto AWD, its a great tow car. no problems with it since I had it from May 2019. now done 32K. one issue I would like to know more about is the leaking boot, I have had this issue and would like to to know there it is getting in.

The Powershift gearbox on the 180hp (kuga 2.0 tdci AWD 2017- ) is still bad, have mine rebuild after 120.000km, all gearbox oil changes done in time, but still totally contaminated with plastic parts from clutch and metal parts from the shifting mechanism and gears !!

Girlfriend has a 2014 Ford Kuga with Powershift box, stumbled on this video as the gearbox has been replaced under warranty in 2019. Now out of warranty, it’s showing the same transmission fault on the dash. Have to wait 6 weeks for the dealer diagnose the problem.

Just wandering how to fix water leak in boot please.

Great job thank you! This video helped me a lot in decision making

I have 2016 2l diesel auto, all sorts of problems by a fully serviced 70k miles. Limp home mode, awd overheat, the lot. Not sure if these are just niggly or weather to upgrade to , as you say, a newer face-lift model

So basically stay away from the 2014 2.0lt diesel power shift titanium?

I bought the 2016 Kuga automatic ,63000miles on clock after just 3 weeks of driving the gearbox gone 😅 luckily was on guarantee and Perry's had to pay for it 😂 I sold the car and I bought the Volvo V40,but i need something bigger so I'll be buying the Kuga Titanium X 2018 automatic and hopefully won't be any issues with it 🤞 or I'll get the Volvo XC60 🤔

Any rust issues? It wouldn't be a Ford if it didn't have some bits which went rusty.

min is a 2016 2ltr when is the belt due

Had a 2015 plate titanium sport x manual gearbox , around 65 000 mls now for 5 yrs now and still love and trust it After watching your video went and found water in boot What’s the quick solution you referred to please

Its 1st time iam hearing complain about ford kuga torque converter transmission andi dont believe it. Iv heard and experienced a problem with powershift gearbox on tdci kuga.

our s max must have that gearbox then cause how is it its 16 years old and still good, that or its been serviced properly, most autos go wrong when theyre neglected

When will my timing belt be due? KGZ 3861

great vid and thanks for the tips!

Mine is a 2017 eco boost auto 79000 miles

Great vid. Very useful. How do you fix the wet boot?

whats the best model for towing please

Some one help me machenic say it no compression or power in my Ford Kuga 1.6ecoboost

2017 awd 2litre 180bhp automatic gearbox Any good?

Really like these but not power shift

Get the st line x.... don't look at any other model

What about the electric thermostats that fall to pieces.

I have a 2019 1.5 diesel does this engine have a wet belt

No mention of the clutch sticking half way up

no issues with the brakes then?

Hi thanks for the informative video. I just purchased a 2014 Kuga. I noticed moisture in the boot around the spare wheel. And I have noticed a droning sound from 40mph in 4th 5th and 6th. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

are there any problems with 2018 mk2 facelift 150bhp powershift?

Thanks for the information. You saved me from buying the powershift version! Do you rate the Vauxhall Antara automatic diesel?

We're picking up a 68 plate 1.5 tdci st line next week any tips or advice on what to look out for or how reliable they are. Nice one 👍

Great guide, what is the auto gearbox like in a 2018 1.5 diesel st-line, buy or avoid??

My 2018 Ford kugar is having furnace running none stop what can be the cause, because I have taken it third times to the machanic but after some few days it start the same problem

I have a 2015 manual 2.0L MK2. Wanting to know if it has a wet belt?

Hi I was wondering if you could help me please, I have a ford kuga st line 19 reg diesel engine, I can’t find the warning light for dpf filter on dashboard, do you know if there is one and if so can you help me where to find it please Thank you Anita

Hi. When viewing these, how do I know whether it has a timing belt or timing chain? Thanks.

You have your facts wrong on the gearbox changeover. The later style gearbox was also fitted on the pre-facelift Kuga to all cars which have the euro 6 engine which was introduced in the last quarter of 2014. The 2013 and 2014 cars fitted with the 163 euro 5 engine is the Kuga to be avoided in powershift trim. The euro 5 and euro 6 engines are totally different and a gearbox from a euro 6 engine will not fit a euro 5 engine and vice versa.

I have ford kuga st line, not sure if on timing belt or chain but the water pump appears to bd leaking. 19 plate 1.5 st eco boost at 31500 miles, recently serviced.

Hi. My DPF is illuminated but there are no message errors in the setting. I’m a low mileage driver and don’t use my car everyday, so I understand this can be an issue. I drive a 2018 Vignale and have looked in setting also information to see if I can manually start a re gen procedure but can’t find anything in the setting, information or driver assist to do so. Do I need to have it reset via ford or is there a way of doing it myself. Thanks.

Love my kuga

So no Problems with a 2019 diesel with powershift?

I've been told eco boost engines are very badly affected by coolant disappearing and corroding the spark plugs. I want a titanium x sport=because it appears to be the only version that has a sunroof, automatic, petrol. Are they all eco boost and if so do they all share the same problem? I'm 67 female with no mechanic skills and no one to ask. I need SUV auto as my knees are bad, I want petrol due to lies about diesel and don't travel far enough to benefit from extra mileage and I want a sunroof because I hate air con. Ford for cheap part replacements. Do they do any other car with my required spec?

I have a 2015 with a swimming pool in the boot! Any common causes to check?

Hi I am thinking of buying a 2021 automatic Diesel Kuga can anyone advise if this has a timing belt or a chain and are ther any problems I should look out for

Get the diesel and get the remap stage 1 + fuel eco. 👌👌👌👌

Hi, I’m going to look at a 2017 2.0 TDCI Kuga CAT N. They didn’t get the service history with the car, but looks good and MOT history good. They can’t say if cam belt has been done and said it’s a wet belt. I’m not sure this engine is mind you? Can you please confirm which it should be. And whether I should ask them to change the cam belt in with the 8k price? Thanks

I have a 2018 2.0ltr awd diesel 180 ,with an auto box are these good engines and box.

I am looking to buy a kuga 2011 4x4 2.0 diesel manual. Does your talking points apply to this model?

Have a 2015 2l diesel, getting 29mpg?? Lovely car but thirsty

Hi I've got a 2013 kuga I keep getting inflate malfunction service then I get no hill start errer message?? Any ideas

In today's time. Car manufacturers add in fails. So that the consumer can pay for repairs and car companies make more money from a vehicle

Got ford kuga when driving its jumping like someone turned it off when I bought it the car was getting exhaust smoke in the car fixed with injection broken seal but still drive like someone has switched the engine off while driving 2019 titanium kuga does any one who has answer how to fix it

How's it going , looking for advice. I'm in the market for a facelift 2.0L diesel Kuga , do i need to be worried about the over heating / coolant in the engine etc issue .. Cheers for any info ..

I have 2017 2.0 deisel st line. When is time belt needs to be changed

Mine the done overheating 😢

I have a 2017 Kuga Vignale 2.0 manual diesel, there is like a ridge, a step when I bring the clutch up, any idea or anyone else have this

Can you tell if it’s Powershift just by looking at the gear shift? I recall having had Galaxy’s in the past the word Powershift was written on the shift. I may be wrong.

So How do you fix the water in the boot problem? Or is this just like your Honda Jazz video where you say you will show everyone how to fix a problem and never ever do?

Boils my blood that OEMs use plastic components in gearboxes/engine bays etc. Plastic juts doesn't last the course. All dictated to by accountants.

Hey can you tell me what weong with my 2016 ford escape se ecobost turbo 1.9 i was driving n lost power ingine fine but transmission dont go into no gear at all it want to go if i turn off n turn back on then loose power

So is the semi auto gearbox okay as long as it’s after 2015? Trying to get my head around the auto gearbox on the kugas. Thanks

I have an issue with mine at the moment 2010 titanium 2.0 diesel it has a noise how to describe it its like a wooo wooo wooo noise gets louder as you drive I thought it was a wheel barring but after £730 cars still not sorted last garage said its one of them strip gearbox to check or propshaft then told me basically trade it in it drives np apart from noise help pls and thank you.

I am sorry its hard for me to understand, you are talking about bad manual gearbox or automatic one?

By manual.

@ScottishCarClan - How about the 2018-2019 2.0 TDCi PowerShift 150hp model? Issues with gearbox?

Has the auto gear box issue been rectified on the 2017 1.5 120bhp diesel. Thanks

Need some advice please looking at a 2019 titanium x 1.5 petrol with automatic box are these ok

how would i know if the one im looking at has the power shift gear box?