2009 Ford Kuga MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 59.4% of Ford Kugas first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. Across 21,809 Kuga first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and noise, emissions and leaks.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Ford Kugas first used in 2009 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2009 Ford Kuga MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Kugas first used in 2009 against all cars first used in 2009 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Kuga figure was 1.1 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2009 Kuga | All cars first used 2009 | Kuga first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 59.6% | 60.5% | 8,778 |
| 2022 | 60.0% | 60.1% | 8,517 |
| 2023 | 59.0% | 59.0% | 8,077 |
| 2024 | 59.6% | 58.4% | 7,351 |
| 2025 | 59.4% | 58.3% | 6,381 |
Common 2009 Ford Kuga MOT failures
Share of the 8,870 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 20.7% | 1,832 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 18.4% | 1,634 |
| Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 10.8% | 961 |
| On or after 01/07/2008: emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit | 9.9% | 879 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 9.1% | 811 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a Kuga in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2009 Ford Kuga before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
Common 2009 Ford Kuga MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2009 Kugas, as a share of all 21,809 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 24.6% | 5,374 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 12.3% | 2,688 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 11.5% | 2,512 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 11.0% | 2,398 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.6% | 2,090 |
Questions about the 2009 Ford Kuga MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2009 Ford Kuga?
In 2025, 59.4% of Kugas first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2009 Kuga most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 49.5% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (32.6%) and noise, emissions and leaks (20.3%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (20.7%).
How often does a 2009 Ford Kuga fail its MOT?
In 2025, 40.6% of first tests on Kugas first used in 2009 did not pass first time: 32.1% failed, and a further 8.4% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 8,870 of 21,809 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2009 Ford Kuga MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 24.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (12.3%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (11.5%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (11.0%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.6%).
Is a 2009 Ford Kuga reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 59.6% in 2021 to 59.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2009
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2009 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2009 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2009 Kuga?
The numbers above cover every Kuga first used in 2009 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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