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What is the most common problem with Ford Kuga?

The most common problem with the Ford Kuga SUV is the issue of unintended acceleration, which has led to numerous recalls and safety concerns. This problem has plagued the Kuga model for several years, causing significant inconvenience and safety risks for owners.


Unintended Acceleration Issues


The Ford Kuga has been the subject of multiple recalls due to issues with unintended acceleration. This problem occurs when the vehicle suddenly accelerates without the driver's input, leading to a loss of control and potentially dangerous situations. The unintended acceleration has been linked to various factors, including software glitches, faulty throttle components, and issues with the electronic throttle control system.


Safety Concerns and Recalls


The unintended acceleration problem in the Ford Kuga has resulted in several safety recalls over the years. Ford has issued multiple recalls to address this issue, with the most recent one in 2020 affecting over 20,000 Kuga models in Europe. These recalls have aimed to fix the underlying software and hardware issues that contribute to the unintended acceleration, but the problem has persisted, causing ongoing safety concerns for Kuga owners.


Impact on Owners


The unintended acceleration issue has had a significant impact on Kuga owners. Many have reported incidents of sudden, unexpected acceleration, leading to loss of control, collisions, and in some cases, injuries. The problem has also resulted in increased maintenance costs, as owners have had to repeatedly bring their vehicles in for repairs and software updates to address the issue.


Conclusion


The unintended acceleration problem in the Ford Kuga is a serious and persistent issue that has raised significant safety concerns for owners. Ford's efforts to address the problem through recalls have had limited success, and the issue continues to plague the Kuga model. As a result, Kuga owners must remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their vehicles for any signs of unintended acceleration, and seek immediate assistance from Ford or authorized dealers if the problem arises.

How much does it cost to replace a Ford Kuga engine?


Ford Kuga Engine Prices

Engine CodeFuelAverage Price Quote
UKMADiesel£ 1,295
TXMADiesel£ 1,542
T7MADiesel£ 2,003
JTMAPetrol£ 2,051



What is a common fault on a Ford Kuga?


Ford Kuga clutch problems, such as a burning clutch, are one of the most common issues. If there's a strong smell of burning from the clutch and a loud banging sound, you'll need to get it checked as soon as possible. The cause is most often a damaged clutch pressure plate.



What's the best Ford Kuga to buy?


If you're not a commuter and use the car for various trips, hybrid petrol should offer the best balance of economy and smoothness, while the petrol-only model is fine for a mix of driving. Basically, any Kuga you choose won't cost too much to run. Whichever Kuga you choose you'll enjoy the driving experience.



How many miles will a Ford Kuga engine last?


The estimated lifespan of a Ford Kuga is 131,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy. We calculated all of the below figures by getting average mileage from scrapped vehicles of this exact make, model, year and fuel type.



Does my Ford Kuga have a timing belt or chain?


Expert answer
Kuga gen 2 (2013-2020): the 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost petrol engines and the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine have timing belts that must be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.



What are the weaknesses of the Ford Kuga?


Common problems with the Ford Kuga
Turbo Failures: Common in diesel models, leading to loss of power and unusual noises. Oil Leaks: Oil leaks have been reported, particularly around the turbocharger and the oil cooler. This can lead to decreased engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.



Which Ford Kuga engine is best?


Best Ford Kuga for...

  • Best for Economy – Ford Kuga Zetec 1.5 TDCi 120PS.
  • Best for Families – Ford Kuga Zetec 2.0 TDCi 150.
  • Best for Performance – Ford Kuga ST-Line 2.0 TDCi 180.
  • One to Avoid – Ford Kuga Zetec 1.5 EcoBoost 120PS.
  • Engine 2.0 TDCi 180.
  • Trim Titanium.
  • Gearbox Powershift.
  • Driven wheels AWD.



Is a Ford Kuga a reliable car?


The Ford Kuga is a generally reliable car, but less so in regards to diesel models. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol Kugas came 24th out of 29 cars in the large SUV class.



At what mileage do you change the timing belt on a Ford Kuga?


Every 125,000 miles
Ford Cambelts

Ford ModelCambelt Change Intervals
Ford Kuga Cambelt ChangeEvery 125,000 miles or 10 years
Ford Kuga Vignale Cambelt ChangeEvery 120,000 miles or 10 years
Ford Mondeo Cambelt ChangeEvery 150,000 miles or 10 years
Ford Mondeo Vignale Cambelt ChangeEvery 125,000 miles or 10 years



How long do Ford timing chains last?


When Should It be Replaced? Unless your engine has a specific replacement interval, the commonly accepted mileage is between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. However, the timing chain isn't necessarily a maintenance item and can last the engine's life, provided you change the oil regularly and maintain the rest of the engine.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.