Ford Kuga Questions & Answers

Hi Sparrow, It sounds like transmission problems which apparently are common in the Kuga. I'd suggest typing "Ford Kuga transmission whirring sound" into Google to see if the US or UK Kuga owners blogs have more info or other websites. That's where I got my info from.

Hi, my new 2014 Ford Kuga cost me $40k and did only 36,000 KMs before it needed a new transmission that cost me $10,500 a year ago. While my car is going well at present I won't spend that again and will never buy another Ford again. They are riddled with problems. All the second hand cars I bought over my life did more KMs than my new car purchase. There is a lesson there. I feel for you and know the stress involved. Every decision becomes a what if scenario. If you go ahead with repair you should get a guarantee with a new transmission. However there are no guarantees something else won't go wrong. Sometimes dealers will buy back but not at a great price. Whatever you choose Goodluck. Kim Baker

I totally understand both your problems. I had the DPF replaced for AU$2,200 6 months after the 5 year warranty ended then the whole fuel system "disintegrating" at 130,000 kms a year later BUT they also found that the rear gearbox (it was an AWD) was going to need overhaul in the next 20,000kms and the cooling system had a slow leak that needed finding and fixing. Never again Ford.

The transmission in my 2014 Kuga Trend (diesel engine) which I purchased as a demo model & had just ticked over 100k km’s, has failed, 5 days after my last service!! My car was serviced every year by the Ford dealer I’d purchased it from & allegedly they checked the transmission every service & never once did they mention any issue or potential problems with my transmission. Ford are now quoting me between $8500 & $11k to fit a reconditioned transmission & clutch!! I tried going to Ford Australia & they didn’t want to know me saying it was “older than 8yrs & outside of their criteria for assistance”. It just doesn’t make sense that a car, in excellent condition inside & out, worth about $15k, is essentially an economical total loss!! If I can’t find the money to repair it, it would seem my car is now worth scrap value only. I am beyond devastated & don’t know where to turn now.

If you can get to a shopping centre the key places can change the battery OR look in the manual for how to get the key fob open, they take a CR2032 button battery (Woolies or Coles) BUT it is a bugger to get it apart, need a small flat screwdriver to prize apart.

Hi, Have you googled these problems? Usually, if they are common they will show up on the US and UK Ford owners club sites, we found out about some of ours on there. However, you still have the problems to get fixed and you're well out of warranty. I guess you have no choice but to fix the alternator/drive belt to get moving, you'll need air con less with winter approaching. BUT, before they fix these, ask them to do as thorough a check as they can to see if there are any other problems and if so how much to fix them. We did that when they had to do the fuel system replacement and found the leaking water pump and rear gearbox issues, another $5,000. That's why we decided we had to get rid of the Ford. Did you see my response to an earlier question about the latest US reliability survey where Fords were one of the three worst for problems.

Thanks, appreciate your feedback. Do you know if its a problem to delay fixing the aircon compressor? Will a busted aircon compressor cause other issues?

Hi, we had the 2 litre turbo diesel engine not the ecoboost. The slow leak in the water pump was not into the engine on our car. If it is a problem in US and UK then it will be a problem here. However, like all our problems, yours is out of warranty as of last year so Ford will not fix it for free. The JD Power 2023 US Vehicle Dependability study has just come out (Google it and look for the report on this study on the stuff nz website. Ford was ranked among the worst for problems with their cars. I wish I'd known this before we bought our Kuga! We are now very happy with our 2023 Nissan Qashqai but had hoped to keep the Kuga for 7 more years till all the problems emerged.

So I’ve got the same issue but cylinder 3. I’ve had this heap of junk on tow trucks 6 times in two years and lost plenty of work. It was a great vehicle until two years ago.

Iam also having issues it’s been in mechanics for a month waiting on two worn bolts something to do with cam shaft finally have it back and engine light has now come on start car and it vibrates really bad sounds terrible and now coolant leaking from some where and have error code po305 misfire cylinder 2 arrgh

Having exactly the same issues.....cylinders 1&2. Replaced all sparkplugs and ignition coils. 3 months and all new spark plugs are black. Engine light on and flashing....

Sorry, we have not had that problem so I am not sure what it could be. It depends how many seconds it takes to engage when you put it into Drive. Our cars usually took two seconds to engage. Have you typed that problem into Google or you could try typing that into the USA and UK Ford Kuga owners club websites. It may be already answered or someone will answer it if they have had that problem.

ABS sensor, replace both.

Only if she has lots of dollars for repairs. I bought new $40 k then at only 36000 km needed to spend $10500 for new transmission. Ford nor dealership would fix. Wish I'd never bought it

Many problems with these cars in UK, US, South Africa etc. I have read so many stories that I wish I had read before purchasing. Lesson is do your homework. My car is running ok now but I shouldn't have had to spend $10500 after just 36, 000, KMs. Given others stories I wonder now how long till next problem. Wouldn't recommend.

Wouldn't recommend at all, dealing with same as above gearbox issue and needing whole.replacment

Hi Alex. Mine was over revving, transmission fault came up etc. Dealership did a RELEARN and car was ok for a few weeks but started faulting again. I hate to say it but Ford Kugas have Powershift transmission and they have caused constant problems

Class action going on in Australia for Ford Fiestas, Ford Focus, Ford Ecosport fitted with Powershift transmissions. I think we have faulty cars too. A new cars transmission should last longer than mine did at 36,000 kms. Dealership quoted me $10,520. I'm not paying that to them. Will give my local mechanic the job before paying JMC as they should be paying for it. They sold me the lemon.

It's disgusting. I got the run around each time.

Do we know of the ford kugas are included in this class action and how do we find information on the current class action

If you Google Ford class action you can read all about it. It doesn't appear to include Kugas. Loads of info once you start looking. You can lodge a complaint with ACCC. Call a lawyer for some advice also.

I wonder how many other Kuga owners this is happening to?

If you look online there are lots of complaints. Even on this site. It wouldn't be so bad if FORD AUSTRALIA, was better at handling after sale issues. They were fined in the past $10 million for unconscionable conduct toward customers. That tells us that what we have experienced is normal behaviour for them. Google it. There is so much online they should be embarrassed. Great companies, even just good companies do so much better than this.

I wonder how we get the Kuga included in the class action

Not sure. I put a complaint in to ACCC so I now have a registered complaint at least

Someone said to me the other day "A SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS OILED ". Meaning the more noise you make the more attention you get. So if you feel ripped off, spread your story far and wide. They can fob people off but we do have rights under consumer laws. Sadly most can't afford to risk going down the legal path to solve the problem so they cop the loss. DEALERSHIPS BANK ON US WALKING AWAY, NO MORAL COMPASS.

I shall do the same. And shall make so much noise the ancient gods will hear it!!!

I'm putting in complaint now to wkth accc thanks for advice hopefully something is done

What year is it? When did you buy it? What about it makes it undriveable?

Hi. Ford Kuga Trend auto, diesel. Purchased July 2014 from JMC Launceston Tas. Told it needs new transmission. $10520. Neither Ford or JMC prepared to fix at their expense. It has Powershift Transmission. I bought a new vehicle so I'd have a reliable car, my biggest mistake ever it seems. I know there is a class action against Ford for the Focus, Fiesta and Ecosport and I dare say there may be one for Ford Kuga in time too.

Has it ever had the transmission fluid changed? What have ford said about it? You have very low mileage, and if the fluids haven’t been done, they probably needs to be purely based on age. Mine is also a Diesel, and a 2016, and done 134500km. Trans fluid done twice now, and still goes well

Just read your post again and realised I asked things you already mentioned. Apologies. If they really want $10k for the gearbox, I’m assuming that includes the clutch pack? That $10k would easily be 50% or more of the cars value considering it’s age. Take into consideration too the low mileage, it might be worth a bit more on paper.

Have you tried going down the insurance route? You may be eligible for it to be a mechanical write off, and get some money back that way.

I personally wouldn’t be spending the that much for repairs in my opinion

Hi Ben. Thank you, I appreciate the advice. Transmission fluid etc was done before Xmas. Didn't know about possible mechanical write off with insurance. I was stunned by Ford's appalling attitude as I had always viewed them as a reputable company. Their response was "not our problem as the car is out of warranty". Their logo Ford " Go Further " has proven to be a lie in my case. I'm not on my own. I have since heard many stories from other angry Ford customers that are now choosing to drop their brand loyalty and look elsewhere. Ford has gained themselves a poor reputation over the last few years with lack of customer care and unreliable vehicles.

Not a problem at all. I’ve had a reasonable experience dealing with ford myself, until recently. I’m sorry to hear of the horrible treatment Ford have been giving you too. Sadly, for those like yourself this isn’t uncommon and a bit sad that all we as consumers want, is a vehicle we have paid for to work as it should and so on.

I’ve recently needed repairs done on mine, and Ford wouldn’t be touch it without diagnosis at $181 per hour. I ended up finding a specialist, which in my case was for a clogged DPF, who charged $110 per hour for diagnosis. Needless to say, it was obvious who I chose to fix it. Until now it has only ever been serviced by ford and no one else.

I think that anyone that says you must go to the dealer is crap as clearly there are other options that do a better job.

Having said all that, have you considered getting a second or third opinion from a third party? It might cost a bit having to get several people to look at it, but it could also save you a $10k repair bill and bring it down considerably for you

Hi Ben. Yes I think consumers are quickly learning now that they don't have to service their cars at dealerships. There is nothing worse than feeling like you've been taken advantage of / ripped off. We can all make a stand by spreading our experiences and providing some free advertising, even if it is negative. Companies have to take the good with the bad. They expect us to as consumers. Good companies will try to rectify any issues, that makes them reputable. I never had any issues with older cars, they were reliable. The modern ones have too many things that can go wrong with them and I think that can make them dangerous too at times. I have had other quotes, much cheaper too. I still don't have a car but I'll sort it one way or another. I now have to save to fix it. I expected that spending nearly $40 K on a FORD vehicle that I was purchasing quality. BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER. Thanks for your interest Ben. Good luck with yours.

You raise a good point about the good with the bad. It seems dealerships are always “you NEED to bring it to us to service or you’ll miss out on this and that”. You comply, but when something goes wrong it’s always “sorry, we can’t help you out, you need to pay full cost”, or something like that. Doesn’t really seem like a two way street in my opinion

It's a one way street from the moment they get our $$$$.

Hi Ben. Just a follow up. I did as you suggested. Contacted my insurer RACT. I have full comprehensive insurance but they don't cover mechanical write off. I don't blame them as they shouldn't have to cover FORD'S LEMONS. Which effectively is what they'd be doing I believe. They were interested in story however and were also shocked by attitude of FORD AUSTRALIA and JMC.

Hi Ben, I have a Ford Kuga 2014. Clogged DPF so took it to a Ford Service Centre. In the process of them doing regenerations to clear the DPF, alternator seized and drive belt broke. New alternator needed, paid $1700. Picked it up, discovered it now had no airconditioning (worked perfectly before I took it for DPF regen). It went back to Ford Service Centre who diagnosed it as a broken airconditioning compressor. Quoted in excess of $1700 to repair. Didn't get aircon fixed. I find it incredibly strange that it went in for a DPF regen, and in the process, 2 major things happen - alternator seizing/drive belt snapped and aircon compressor dies - and no problems with these items before going into Ford. Any experience or advice on best way to proceed? Thank you.

What engine do you have? Could have gone into limp mode if you used the incorrect oil

I followed wat the guy said at rep o full synthetic 5w 30

Diesel or petrol engine? I have the diesel and it needs 0-30wd oil specifically

No it’s petrol 1.6 eco boost 5 w 30 would it b low transmission fluid and does it run a Bachman for the transmission

The 1.6 comes with a normal transmission (not a dct) which mine has. I’d be calling NRMA if you live in NSW and they should be able to do a code scan for you to see what could be going on

I don’t want to scare you, but does this sound Iike what is happening:

https://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/threads/auto-gears-not-changing.18261/

The car it talks about is a 2 litre but not sure if it could be the same thing

Lol all good the problem was I drained the trans fluid out now it’s stuck in limp mode saying it’s temp over heat how do h get it off this

Hi There, I’m not a mechanic, but this sounds like it could be a sensor somewhere which has failed. The car can’t regulate temperature and thus overheats. Not sure where you’re based, but I take my car to Peter Warren Ford in Warrick Farm NSW. If they are near you, give them a call as I’ve been taking my Kuga there since I bought it and can’t fault them.

Cheers Ben

Silly question, but have you tried replacing the battery in the fob?

Yes replaced the batteries when it first went off cause it tells you to change battery and should be working fine but after that just it doesn't work. It used to be in a rubber fob cover and think cause moisture to get in cause when changed battery it was wet residue inside. Which i pat dry now fobs don't work and second one has never worked as was spare for car and never used.

The only way to reset the fob is to take it to a ford dealer, There is no way around it. nobody else can do it

They are so expensive

Can you try holding it in the slot on the side of the steering wheel and see if the car will start?

common problem with the kugas nearly all of them do it.

Yep they sure do ...... then they Overheat and run out of Coolant - I fill mine every 3 days - but Ford Australia say there is nothing wrong with the vehicle ....... mine is a 2015 1.5L Ecoboost

I’d push hard for a resolution if you are having to update coolant every 3 days. I don’t want to scare you, but I came across a YouTube video from a mechanic working on the same type of car (this was a 2017 escape) and same engine, and he found when the car was running, you could see a boiling or bubbling effect in the coolant bottle.

This should not happen, and I remember it being an issue with something along the lines of exhaust gasses making their way into the coolant.

Long story cut short, only fix was a replacement engine.