Used Ford Kuga 2013-2020 reliability review

What should I look for in a used Ford Kuga?

What are the most common problems with a used Ford Kuga?

Any Kuga is likely to have been used in tight city centre car parks so it’s worth checking for scuffs on the bodywork and for kerb damage on the alloy wheels. Check also the condition and operation of the rear seats; they should fold down and flip up easily.

Owners report problems with the radio losing signal, and the car going into limp-home mode for no apparent reason. Non-engine electrics, with items such as air-con and sat-nav, were noted as the most common problems, although the actual number of faults reported is pretty low.

Make sure any automatic version you go to see has been serviced regularly in time with manufacturer recommendations. If this has been neglected, then you could be looking at a hefty bill for a gearbox replacement at some point in the future.

Is a used Ford Kuga reliable?

The Ford Kuga is a generally reliable car, but less so in regards to diesel models. In our What Car? Reliability Survey, diesel Kugas placed 13th out of 15 with a slightly concerning score of 83.8%. That places it above the Mazda CX-60, but below the Hyundai Tucson and Volvo XC60.

Diesel versions of the used Ford Kuga have a fault rate of 44%, according to our survey. They could also be slow to fix: 36% of diesel Kugas were out of action for more than a week, although a similar percentage were fixed in a day or less. Ford paid for all remedial work on 82% of diesel Kugas, and those who did pay only needed to find £101-£200 per fault.

As a car brand, Ford performed decently, ranking 24th out of 30 manufacturers featured. Its reliability score of 90.5% makes it a more reliable brand than Seat and Volkswagen, but less reliable than Hyundai and Kia.

Used Ford Kuga: owners' reliability data

Reader feedback we’ve received highlights a mixed bag in terms of reliability. Some owners praised their Kuga for its steadfast reliability, reporting few to no issues throughout their ownership. However, others weren't as fortunate, facing recurring faults, particularly with the engine and electrical systems.

These problems often led to multiple visits to dealerships, with a notable portion of readers expressing dissatisfaction with dealer service. Complaints ranged from prolonged repair times to perceived expensive charges for fixes.

On the other hand, we did see many positive dealer interactions, where staff were commended for their helpful and professional service.