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Ford Kuga (2013-2020) common problems

Ford Kuga Mk2 2013-2020

Haynes is here to help you save money at every stage of the car ownership experience. Using our extensive database, we can tell you what problems the Mk2 Ford Kuga you’re thinking about buying might have, and we can show you how to diagnose and solve them. And if you already own a Mk2 Kuga, Haynes can help you with the service, maintenance and repair of it using a Haynes Manual or Autofix before you incur the expense of a garage visit.

The Mk2 Kuga also has problems that include a cracking noise from the front wheels, faulty battery control units, and a cracked sump. This article will explain what these issues involve and how the DIY mechanic can repair these at home and save money with Haynes.

So we’re here to offer advice, data and help as you do it yourself with Haynes.

Check out these 11 videos you get for free with every online Mk2 Kuga Manual

What recalls has the Kuga Mk2 been subject to?

The Kuga Mk2 has been the subject of a number of recalls throughout its life, so if you’re buying one, you need to make sure all the relevant work has been carried out. Early cars were recalled because the cylinder can crack if the engine overheats. A faulty clutch pressure plate caused another recall in 2013, and the car was recalled in 2016 because some of the airbags could fail to deploy in an accident.

However, it’s easy to solve common problems for the Kuga Mk2 with the Haynes Kuga 2013-2020 Manual or AutoFix.

Ford Kuga Mk2

What common problems does the Mk2 Kuga have?

Some versions of the Mk2 Kuga have suffered issues with a creaking noise emanating from the front axle when the driver pulls away from rest. The cause of the fault is missing driveshaft spline sealant, and either driveshaft can be the cause. However, the procedure to replace the sealant is one that a DIY mechanic will be more than capable of completing without trouble.

Fix such drivetrain problems for the Mk2 Kuga with the Haynes Kuga 2013-2020 Manual or AutoFix.

Other Kuga problems include a coolant leak from the expansion tank, issues with the keyless locking system, and faulty remote control 'plippers'.

Ford Kuga Mk2

Are coolant leaks a Ford Kuga problem?

Some examples of the Kuga with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine fitted have suffered a leak of coolant from a faulty coolant expansion tank. Providing the fault is noticed before engine damage occurs, a simple replacement of the coolant tank will solve the issue. This is an easy repair that involves draining of the cooling system, and replacement of the expansion tank before the system is refilled. The procedure is covered by the relevant Haynes Manual.

Solve Kuga EcoBoost problems with the Haynes Kuga 2013-2020 Manual or AutoFix.

See our free video below on how to check the fluid levels on a Kuga.

Ford Kuga Mk2

Does your Kuga Mk2 keyless system fail to work?

Some versions of the Kuga 2013-2020 that are fitted with a keyless entry system have been known to suffer failure of the system. This is because in winter salty water can get into the handle, causing the door lock sensor to fail. The solution is to remove the handle and clean it out, a task that is easily accomplished by following the relevant procedure in the Haynes Kuga 2013-2020 Manual or AutoFix.

Ford Kuga Mk2

Has your Ford Kuga Mk2 remote key died?

Some owners of the Mk2 Kuga have reported sudden failure of the remote ‘plipper’ key. The source of the issue is almost always a depleted battery in the key, and it’s easy to swap. The procedure is covered by the relevant Haynes Manual.

Resolve Mk2 Kuga problems quickly and easily with the Haynes Kuga 2013-2020 Manual or AutoFix.

Ford Kuga Mk2

Is your Ford Kuga Mk2 jumping out of gear?

It is not unknown for the Ford Kuga to suffer an issue that causes the gearbox to jump out of first gear or second gear into neutral, which is going to be more than a little annoying when you’re accelerating away from the lights of entering a roundabout.

The issue is a faulty synchroniser in first and second gears. We’d recommend that you take the gearbox to a suitable specialist for the actual repair, but your Haynes Kuga manual will show you how to remove the gearbox from the vehicle, and how to put it back once the repair is complete. That way you’ll save hundreds of pounds that would otherwise be spent on labour charges for the garage to remove the ’box.

So, just look up the gearbox chapter in your Haynes Kuga manual and follow the steps. It’ll take a while but you’ll save a lot of cash by doing it yourself.

Ford Kuga Mk2