KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Ford Kuga (III) 1.5 EcoBoost common problems.

2019–2026 · Petrol

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 US Escape, the Kuga's twin, built up to 16/9/2024.

Over-temperature warning under hard acceleration caused by machining chips in the cylinder headCooling

Engine / equipment: Kuga (III) 1.5 EcoBoost (Escape in the US)
Period mentioned: 2023–2025
Symptoms: Under full throttle or climbing a hill loaded, the coolant over-temperature warning appears and the engine light comes on, with P1285 or P1299; the coolant level is fine.
Possible cause described: Machining chips trapped in the cylinder head partly block a coolant passage next to cylinder head temperature sensor 2 (CHT2). Ford describes it in technical message SSM 54114 for 2023–2025 Escape 1.5 EcoBoost cars built up to 16/9/2024: the cooling system is flushed and, if it continues, the cylinder head is inspected.
Check for the garage: With the over-temperature warning, stop in a safe place and let it cool; do not open the reservoir when hot. At the garage, mention codes P1285/P1299 and message SSM 54114.
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: 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: 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.

Applies if: Same three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost as the US Escape; the recalls cited are US ones: ask Ford by VIN.

Cracked injectors on the three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost: petrol leakFuel system

Engine / equipment: Three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost (in the US, 2020–2022 Escape and 2021–2023 Bronco Sport; in Europe, the same engine as the Kuga III and Focus IV)
Period mentioned: 2020–2023
Symptoms: A petrol smell in the engine bay or under the car, engine warning light and, in the worst case, fire under the bonnet.
Possible cause described: The fuel injectors can crack and let petrol out onto hot parts. Ford recalled cars in the US in November 2022, March 2024 and again in 2025: the fix is software that detects the damaged injector and reduces power; Ford says the underlying condition may still exist.
Check for the garage: With a petrol smell, do not start it and take it to the garage; ask Ford by VIN whether your car has the update or an equivalent campaign.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.