KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Ford Kuga (III) 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid common problems.

2019–2026 · Plug-in hybrid

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

3 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: 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 2.5 hybrid engine as the US Escape; the recall cited is a US one: ask Ford by VIN.

Engine failure with fire risk on the 2.5 hybridEngine

Engine / equipment: 2.5 Atkinson-cycle engine of the hybrids and plug-ins (in the US, 2020–2023 Escape, 2022–2023 Maverick and 2021–2023 Lincoln Corsair; in Europe, Kuga III)
Period mentioned: 2020–2023
Symptoms: Unexpected engine noises, loss of power or smoke; if the engine breaks, oil or fuel vapour can escape onto hot parts.
Possible cause described: Isolated manufacturing defects can make the engine fail prematurely. Ford recalled these cars in the US in 2022 (22V-484) and widened the campaign to 125,322 in 2023 (23S27), which replaces the first one; cars already fixed under the first need the new remedy.
Check for the garage: If noises, power loss or smoke appear, stop and switch off the engine as soon as possible; ask Ford by VIN whether there is a campaign for your car.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.