2012 Ford Kuga Titanium X Powershift 2.0 TDCi

Summary:

Avoid!!

Faults:

Where to start? Well yes you guessed it right - the power-shift automatic transmission is of course causing problems and will likely be too expensive to repair.

Oil and injector leak.

DPF clogged even with long drives.

ABS sensor.

Seems hard on brake pads, replaced a couple of times in only 4 years and lower mileage.

The list goes on...

General Comments:

A 2012 Kuga bought with very low miles and appeared cared for, but this car in its last year or two with us will finally be going - it has been an unreliable disaster, one thing after another. Money-pit.

I heard about the power-shift gearbox, but when I researched this car I also read that if cared for they are OK. I also loved the looks and the car appeared OK on a test drive. Well this car had low miles and evidence of oil changes for the auto box as well, yet it still failed at less than 70,000 miles. I had cars from the 1970's and 1980's that had longer lasting engines and gearboxes.

Fuel consumption rubbish for diesel, struggles to get above 34 mpg and I drive carefully. Probably due to the auto box. One of the many reasons you should go for a manual transmission if considering one of these, you'll get about 45 + mpg and better reliability.

Reasonably comfortable and nice to drive when working. Plus points end there.

But the issues I have had are unforgivable. Truly pathetic for a modern car, will not be returning to Ford EVER. You can get a power-shift Kuga's like this with low miles and good condition for less than £2000 in Auto-Trader's used section. Tells you all you need to know, they cannot give them away! I honestly think I might break mine up myself and sell parts like the nice leather interior (Titanium X model has the LOT) and other parts and so on. I'd make more money that way than just scrapping it entirely! And it sure as hell is not worth fixing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd August, 2026

4th Aug 2026, 07:36

These are decent cars, but go for the manual and avoid the Powershift versions like the plague and you will be OK. Even new/near new these transmissions could be problematic. Ford have really lost it in the last years with one disaster after another. Before they built pretty bomb proof engines and transmissions.

2013 Ford Kuga Titanium Powershift AWD 2.0 TDCi

Summary:

Waste of money

Faults:

Problems with engine injectors, seals and fuel pump (expensive).

A/C weak.

Rust on door sills.

And now it won't go into reverse, I have to visit a gearbox specialist, my own mechanic won't touch it.

General Comments:

Bought this Kuga as a family run about. Thinking it would be reliable and economical. It has low mileage and appeared looked after.

It was OK the first six months or so, which is when it started to give problems, and of course when the used warranty ran out!

This car has been nothing but trouble, and this time once fixed it will be sold.

Shame really - it is a decent looking and comfortable modern car. Nice to drive and economical when running right. But avoid diesel Fords from this time period, nothing but trouble as they age! Oh and and avoid any Ford "powershift" automatics as well. I wish I researched more online about this vehicle before buying!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th February, 2026

27th Feb 2026, 13:12

Yes, the early powershifts are generally poor. Not much to change, you will typically need a remanufactured unit, often more expensive than the value of the car. Injectors problem, that's 90% due to poor fuel quality and neglect.

2009 Ford Kuga Zetec AWD 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Average and boring, but does all I need

Faults:

Exhaust, DPF, EGR valve, usual diesel troubles.

Noisy suspension, replaced springs at last MOT.

Air con is useless.

A bit heavy on brakes, replaced pads twice and the discs are needing replaced again as well!

Try to look after it as much as I can, gets every service as per schedule. The car had full history upon purchase. No major breakdowns, but some repairs have been expensive.

General Comments:

A decent enough to drive SUV, the Kuga is nothing special. Pretty much the epitome of average in the family transport segment.

2.0 TDCi performs OK, does about 45 MPG at best. The car is actually nice to drive, handles very well for its size and weight.

Not as spacious as you might think. Interior materials are nice though, and the seats are comfortable. Glass pan roof brightens up inside. Boot space not that great for a family SUV.

Mine is white with original Zetec alloy wheels, looks OK.

Hard to say anymore, not a bad car, just boring. Better than my previous Hyundai Tucson, but only by a little. Worth a look if you want a decent modern family car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st April, 2023

23rd Apr 2023, 14:24

A Vauxhall Mokka is much the same though slightly cheaper to buy.