Ford Kuga

Same open-deck liner issue as other 1.5 EcoBoost engines from earlier build years. Coolant ingress into combustion chambers possible. TSB recommends short-block replacement.

Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, coolant loss, rough running, oil-coolant emulsion.

The 1.0 EcoBoost in the Puma requires Ford oil WSS-M2C948-B without exception. With incorrect oil specification the oil-bath timing belt degrades and can snap, resulting in engine damage.

Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, oil pressure warning light, in the worst case engine damage from oil starvation.

The 1.0 EcoBoost shows head gasket issues across various build years, often caused by thermal overloading during short trips or neglected coolant changes.

Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, sweet smell in exhaust, occasional tendency to overheat.

Early 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinders (up to approx. March 2019) are prone to hairline cracks in the cylinder block. Coolant enters the cylinders and causes severe engine damage. Short-block replacement required.

Symptoms: Rough cold start, white exhaust smoke, coolant loss without external leak, engine warning light.

Individual 1.5 EcoBoost engines show piston ring fractures from as early as 35,000 km. The affected cylinder loses compression completely; short-block replacement required.

Symptoms: Sudden power drop, severe misfiring or engine stalling, compression loss in one cylinder measurable.

Boost solenoid or wastegate issues may occur in Kuga operation. Occasional P0299 codes at higher mileages.

Symptoms: Code P0299, power drop, engine warning light.

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).

The 6DCT450 Powershift gearbox in the Kuga II shows oil leaks, sticky gear changes and broken plastic spacers in the clutch basket. Regular gearbox oil changes every 50,000–60,000 km are critical.

The transfer case housing of the all-wheel drive system (iAWD) on the Kuga II can develop cracks, leading to oil loss and eventual AWD failure. A known weak point on early DM2 models with all-wheel drive.

On the Kuga II, rust forms above average quickly on subframes, inner wheel arches and welds. Factory sealant is inadequate — reports document significant rust attack after only 3–4 years and 50,000 km.

Wiper motors on the Kuga II fail at higher mileages. Affected vehicles suddenly have no windscreen wipers — particularly dangerous in rain. Replacement is generally required as repairs are rarely possible.

On the Kuga II, water can enter the passenger footwell if the scuttle drain channels or pollen filter housing drain become blocked. Damp carpet on the passenger side in particular is a known issue that can lead to mould and electronics damage.