Ford Kuga 2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
231–242 PS
2.0L EcoBoost Benzin
Power Kuga
Decent150–182 PS
1.6L EcoBoost Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Kuga 2 is available with 5 engine variants — from 120 to 242 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Ford 2.0L EcoBlue TDCi (Diesel, 150–179 PS) comes with 2 different engines: T8CC (2016–2019, Stay Away!) und T8CC (2016–2019, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L EcoBlue TDCi!
The Ford 2.0L TDCi (Diesel, 140–163 PS) comes with 2 different engines: TDCi-2.0-Kuga2 (2012–2016, Be Careful) und TDCi-2.0-Kuga2 (2012–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDCi!
The Ford 1.5L EcoBoost (Benziner, 120–182 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M8MA (2016–2019, Be Careful) und M8MA (2016–2019, Be Careful) und M8MA (2016–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L EcoBoost!
The Ford 1.6L EcoBoost (Benziner, 150–182 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2 (2012–2016, Stay Away!) und EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2 (2012–2016, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L EcoBoost!
The Ford 2.0L EcoBoost (Benziner, 242 PS) has the R9MA (2.0L EcoBoost) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| EcoBoost: hairline cracks in engine block, coolant loss The 1.5- and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines in the Kuga II (2012–2018) develop hairline cracks in the engine block, causing coolant loss and engine damage. Ford responded in 2014 with a recall for the 1.6 EcoBoost (approx. 56,000 vehicles). Symptoms: Rough cold start, coolant level dropping with no visible external leak, engine overheating warning. from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 41 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Kuga 2 (2012–2019) — 34 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: T8CC (2.0L EcoBlue TDCi), EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2 (1.6L EcoBoost), R9MA (2.0L EcoBoost). Typical issues affect Cooling, Gearbox, Other, Rust.
Kuga (TDCi-2.0-Kuga2, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Injector Wear and Leaks, High-Pressure Pump Metal Debris and Failure, Premature Timing Belt Failure — Interval Too Long. Power: 140 PS.
Kuga (TDCi-2.0-Kuga2, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Injector Wear and Leaks, High-Pressure Pump Metal Debris and Failure, Premature Timing Belt Failure — Interval Too Long. Power: 163 PS.
Kuga (T8CC, 2016–2019) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 150 PS.
Kuga (T8CC, 2016–2019) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 179 PS.
Kuga (EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2, 2012–2016) — Stay Away!: Cylinder head cracks — known EcoBoost problem, Turbocharger wear in SUV use, Recall: Missing coolant level sensor. Power: 150 PS.
Kuga (EcoBoost-1.6-Kuga2, 2012–2016) — Stay Away!: Cylinder head cracks — known EcoBoost problem, Turbocharger wear in SUV use, Recall: Missing coolant level sensor. Power: 182 PS.
Kuga (M8MA, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress, Oil Pump Timing Belt Degradation, Head Gasket Leak. Power: 120 PS.
Kuga (M8MA, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress, Oil Pump Timing Belt Degradation, Head Gasket Leak. Power: 150–151 PS.
Kuga (M8MA, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress, Oil Pump Timing Belt Degradation, Head Gasket Leak. Power: 175–182 PS.
Kuga (R9MA, 2017–2019) — Stay Away!: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure, Hairline Cracks in Engine Block (Coolant Loss), Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber. Power: 242 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Kuga? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee