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19 May 2023 Ford Kuga: common problems, faults, and solutions
Is your Ford Kuga malfunctioning? Would you like to know how to diagnose your car quickly, get it repaired, and maybe even replace Ford Kuga parts? Check out these common Ford Kuga problems and how to solve them.
The most common Ford Kuga problems & faults
The vehicle is generally reliable. However, some drivers have reported issues with the dual-clutch gearbox, which can result in jerky gear changes. Owners have stated that common faults with the Ford Kuga include electrical malfunctions, particularly with the infotainment system. On diesel models, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) can become clogged. Additionally, there have been reports of issues with the turbocharger and fuel injectors.
Battery drain
Multiple car owners have reported that even when their battery is fully charged, it is completely drained the next day and their Ford Kuga won't start and requires a jump start. The likely root of this problem is that the battery has reached the end of its service life and you need a new car battery. For fuel-powered models, this can easily be resolved by replacing the battery, which you may be able to do yourself.
Knocking sound coming from the rear of the car
If you notice a knocking noise from the rear of the car while driving, the culprit could be the rear door striker rubbing against something. You can quickly fix this by simply greasing the door striker.
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Exhaust problems
Symptoms may include blue exhaust smoke, poor engine performance, rough idling and increased fuel consumption. In this case, the EGR valve may be faulty, causing all of the gases to escape rather than circulate through the engine. You may also be faced with a clogged or damaged diesel particulate filter (DPF). Symptoms of a faulty Ford Kuga DPF filter include black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, poor fuel economy, and difficulty starting.
To fix this fault, you may have to replace the valves or filter. If the clogged DPF is not able to clear itself through ‘regeneration’, it will need to be checked by a professional. Some garages can clean it using a process called forced regeneration'. However, there is no guarantee that this will work effectively.
Clutch problems
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.
Greasy windscreen
This is a much less serious issue, although it is still a potential safety risk. These car models have been known to have a greasy or smudged windscreen as a result of defective wiper blades. If the wiper and blade don’t seem to be working, you’ll need to install new ones.
Overheating engine
Several issues with overheating have been reported in the past, leading to engine malfunction in some cases. It may be caused by coolant leaks or cracked cylinder heads, for example. The heat may cause the oil sump to crack, resulting in oil leaks. If you experience similar problems, take the car to your nearest Ford dealer or garage for a diagnosis.
Transmission faults
It’s been noted that the 2014 models sometimes have Ford Kuga transmission problems with the system that controls the automatic transmission preventing it from shifting gear. One simple way to fix dual-clutch control failure is to turn the engine off and on again to reboot the control unit. However, this may only be a short-term solution. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to get your Ford Kuga gearbox problems fixed by a professional.
Finding replacement parts online is one of the best ways to save money on repairs. You can simply enter your vehicle registration number into the search bar to find compatible parts for your specific vehicle. If you're looking for new car parts, check out the Ford Kuga parts catalogue here.
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Ford Kuga AWD overheating
Overheating in the Ford Kuga AWD can be a concern, often linked to cooling system problems such as a faulty thermostat or water pump. This is one of the Ford Kuga AWD problems that can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly, especially during long journeys or in hot climates.
Ford Kuga engine malfunction
The engine malfunction Ford Kuga issue can cause a sudden loss of power, which is often related to problems with the turbocharger, fuel injectors, or EGR valve. When the Ford Kuga engine malfunctions causing a loss of power, this can be alarming and may require immediate attention to avoid further engine damage.
Ford Kuga's electrical problems
The Ford Kuga has been reported to experience various electrical problems, including infotainment system issues, sensor malfunctions and battery depletion. These electrical problems can cause inconveniences such as unresponsive displays, warning lights and difficulty starting, and often require diagnostic checks to identify and fix the underlying issues.
Ford Kuga alarm keeps going off
A common issue with the Ford Kuga is the alarm randomly going off, often triggered by faulty door sensors, a weak battery, or issues with the bonnet latch. This problem can be frustrating and may require sensor replacement or battery maintenance to prevent the alarm from activating unnecessarily.
Ford Kuga PHEV problems
The primary concern with the Kuga PHEV is its brakes. Due to the regenerative braking system, where the electric motor initially slows the car before the standard brake discs engage, the pedal can feel somewhat unnatural and stiff.
Although this is common in plug-in hybrids, the Kuga's braking feel is noticeably more pronounced than in others.
Ford Kuga PHEV charging problems
Some Ford Kuga PHEV owners have reported charging issues, including slow charging speeds or failure to charge at all. These can be caused by faulty charging cables, incompatible home charging setups or software glitches, leading to frustration and reduced all-electric range. Regular checks and updates can help resolve these issues.
Ford Kuga: years to avoid
When considering a Ford Kuga, it's generally advisable to avoid the earlier models of the second generation (2012-2015), particularly those with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, which was prone to overheating and potential head gasket failure.
Here is a table which summarises the Ford Kuga models by year of manufacture including common problems with the 2023 Ford Kuga:
| Year of release | Common problems |
| 2012–2014 | 1.6L EcoBoost engine overheating, head gasket failure |
| 2015-2016 | Powershift automatic transmission reliability issues |
| 2017-2018 | Faulty infotainment system, DPF issues |
| 2019-2020 | Electrical issues, turbocharger problems |
| 2023 | Battery draining too quickly |
