KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Ford Kuga (III) 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue common problems.

2019–2026 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

Applies if: Bulletin for the 2021 US Escape, the Kuga's twin.

Front flutter or rattle above 105 km/h caused by the active grille shuttersBodywork

Engine / equipment: Kuga (III) (Escape in the US)
Period mentioned: 2021
Symptoms: From about 105 km/h a plastic flutter or rattle is heard at the front; at lower speeds it does not sound.
Possible cause described: The radiator's active grille shutters vibrate in the airflow. Ford describes it in technical message SSM 50255 for 2021 Escapes built from 10/8 to 20/9/2021: the garage opens and closes the shutters with the diagnostic tool to see whether the noise changes.
Check for the garage: Note the speed at which it starts. At the garage, have them move the active grille shutters with the diagnostic tool to see whether the noise changes. Ford says the car is safe to drive.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Built up to 19 January 2023.

Ford diesel particulate filter: regeneration and emissionsExhaust and emissions

Engine / equipment: Kuga 2.0 TDCi and 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue; 1.5 TDCi and EcoBlue in the Focus, C-Max, Transit Connect and Transit Courier
Period mentioned: 2014–2023
Symptoms: Filter regenerations at excessive temperature, a damaged filter and particle emissions above the limit: the car can fail the emissions part of the roadworthiness test.
Possible cause described: Because of how the filter regenerates, particle emissions can rise over the years. Ford recalled several diesels (code 24E06): it recalibrates the regeneration, inspects the filter and replaces it if damaged. The German guide calls the filter the Achilles heel of modern Ford diesels.
Check for the garage: Ask Ford by VIN whether recall 24E06 is outstanding; check the filter and the regeneration history before the roadworthiness test.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall; before that, many owners paid for the filter themselves.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only the 2.0 EcoBlue (oil-immersed belt); confirm the interval for your version at the garage.

Oil-immersed timing belt on the 2.0 EcoBlueValve timing

Engine / equipment: 2.0 EcoBlue diesel: Transit, Transit Custom, Ranger, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Kuga and Focus
Period mentioned: 2016 onwards
Symptoms: Often with no prior warning: belt debris in the oil, an oil-pressure warning or a broken belt with serious engine damage.
Possible cause described: Diesel from unfinished particulate-filter regenerations gets into the oil and degrades the belt, which runs in it; in extreme cases material comes off and blocks the oil-pump strainer. Ford cut the belt, tensioner and idler change from 10 years or 240,000 km to 6 years or 160,000 km on the Transit and Transit Custom.
Check for the garage: Follow the new 6-year or 160,000 km interval, check the belt condition and whether the oil level rises (diesel dilution); avoid trips that cut regenerations short.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Plug-in hybrid battery and electronics on the Kuga IIIHigh-voltage battery

Engine / equipment: Ford Kuga III (petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2019 onwards
Symptoms: On the plug-in hybrid, a battery fire risk from the charging management; weak 12 V batteries, slow infotainment and interior noises; owners mention water in the footwell from the heater air intake.
Possible cause described: The plug-in recall replaces parts or updates the charge controller; early cars had no battery venting and hot gases could reach other parts.
Check for the garage: Check the plug-in hybrid campaign by VIN and follow the charging instructions; test the 12 V battery.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.