Models · Ford
Ford Kuga Mk2 buying guide
The second-generation Kuga, sold from late 2012 to 2019 and facelifted in 2016, with EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines in front or four-wheel drive. There are relatively few known faults, but recalls are common, and the checks centre on the gearboxes and the recall work.
The versions
- 1.6 EcoBoost petrol at launch: 148bhp or 177bhp, replaced by the 1.5 EcoBoost from October 2014 (118bhp to 180bhp)
- 2.0 TDCi diesel: 138bhp to 178bhp across the run, plus a 119bhp version from 2016; later a 118bhp 1.5 diesel
- Six-speed manual, or six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic
- Front-wheel drive on most cars; four-wheel drive on the more powerful diesels and the 180bhp 1.5 EcoBoost
What to check on a Mk2 Kuga
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
PowerShift automatic behaviour
What to look for: On an automatic, test on a hill, while reversing, at low speed in traffic and under hard acceleration, and try the manual override. Shuddering, jerky or harsh shifts, or hesitation beyond pulling away, are the signs to note. Look for gearbox oil and filter changes in the history.
Why it matters: The PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox is the part of the car to be most careful with, especially on a higher-mileage example, and it is at its weakest at low speed. It needs clean oil and filters every three years or so, around 37,500 miles on annual service plans, to keep its sensors and clutches working, and a car with those done is a better bet.
Coolant, overheating and engine recalls
What to look for: Check the coolant level and look at the expansion bottle for cracks or leaks. On the drive, watch the temperature gauge and feel for misfires. Ask a Ford dealer to confirm the engine recalls are done, and look at the history for the cambelt and coolant change due every 10 years or 125,000 miles.
Why it matters: Early 1.5 EcoBoost engines are known for faulty coolant expansion bottles, which should have been replaced by now, plus misfires and a higher risk of head gasket failure. The 1.6 EcoBoost was recalled to improve coolant level sensing, a 2018 recall covered cylinder heads that could crack and leak oil on Kugas built up to December 2014, and 2.0 diesels built from October 2014 to September 2015 were recalled for overheating and oil leaks.
Four-wheel-drive tyres and fluid
What to look for: On a four-wheel-drive car, check all four tyres are the same make, size and similar tread depth, and look for a fluid and filter change on the four-wheel-drive system at around 40,000 miles or five years.
Why it matters: Mismatched or unevenly worn tyres load the four-wheel-drive transmission, so tyres should be replaced in sets of four or at least matched pairs. The fluid and filter service is sometimes overlooked, and a car with it done has been looked after.
Also in the full guide
- Manual gearbox and clutch
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Mk2 Kuga
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Ford.