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Ford Kuga Mk1 (2008-2012) reliability

At a glance

Ford Kuga Mk1 built around 2012: about average at the MOT

Ford Kuga Mk1 models built around 2012 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Ford Kuga Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

29% of MOT tests on Ford Kuga Mk1 models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ford Kuga Mk1 models built around 2012 involves the tyres.

Ford Kuga Mk1
average reliability2008-2012SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 47,906 tests of Kuga models registered 2008-2012.

About 1 in 15 Kuga Mk1 MOTs (6.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 12,384 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 Kuga Mk1 MOTs (7.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 12,384 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,19927.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
12,38428.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
11,85729.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
11,26030.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,15629.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,05028.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 15 years old.

How the Kuga Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the Kuga Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 305,206 tests across 13 Ford models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFord average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,19927.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
12,38428.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
11,85729.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
11,26030.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,15629.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,05028.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Kuga Mk1.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 28.7% for the Ford Kuga Mk1, both built around 2012.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,819 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Mini (R60)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23%

    Lower fail rate: 23.0%, against 28.7% for the Ford Kuga Mk1, both built around 2012.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    7,400 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.1%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.0%, against 28.7% for the Ford Kuga Mk1, both built around 2012.

    1,755 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Audi Q7

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    6.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.6%

    Lower fail rate: 16.5%, against 28.7% for the Ford Kuga Mk1, both built around 2012.

    2,062 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

94%of all Ford Kuga cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

144 recalls in all

5 of the 144 Kuga Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • The engine cylinder head may crack
  • B-pillar trim insulation too close to the seat belt pretentioner
  • Heated washer jets may overheat

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Kuga Mk1 cars have aged

How Kuga Mk1 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (8,169 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (7,897 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (7,662 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (7,351 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (7,147 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (7,864 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (7,592 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (7,409 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (6,924 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (6,599 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (8,731 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (8,375 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (7,973 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (7,350 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (6,735 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (6,803 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (6,341 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (5,816 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (5,118 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (4,305 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (1,878 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (1,699 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (1,523 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (1,305 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (1,050 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk1 variants compared

Kuga Mk1 variants built around 2012

The fail rate for each Kuga Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • KUGA28.7%12,109 tests

Petrol

  • KUGA28.4%271 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Ford Kugas of this age

This list covers every Ford Kuga built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    27.5%
    Advisory: 5,078Fail: 407 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    17.6%
    Advisory: 3,170Fail: 428 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    13.7%
    Advisory: 1,816Fail: 279 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    12.1%
    Advisory: 791Fail: 1,090 (58% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    11.8%
    Advisory: 1,505Fail: 10 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 12,384 tests

Looking at a Ford Kuga Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Ford Kuga Mk1 (2008-2012) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 12,384 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 47,906 MOT tests on Ford Kugas first registered between 2008-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.