Recalls: Ford Mk.1 Kuga
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Ford Mk.1 Kuga
No recall information is available for the Ford TE Kuga. To search for recalls of Ford models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Ford.
Problems and faults: Ford Mk.1 Kuga
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
B5254T3 engine: PCV diaphragm rupture
For the Ford Kuga’s 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) diaphragm – located in the oil filter housing – may rupture. Symptoms of a ruptured PCV diaphragm include:
- A whining/whistling noise that increases with engine speed, yet stops when the dipstick is removed (since removing the dipstick releases back pressure, see video below);
- A lack of boost pressure in low gears;
- Excessive oil consumption;
- Blue smoke from the exhaust; and,
- Illumination of the engine warning light.
To fix,the air filter housing assembly needs to be removed; Sometimes, the breather hose from the assembly to the block may be damaged and also require replacement. It is understood that Ford subsequently introduced an uprated diaphragm.
B5254T3 engine: cracked cylinder liners
The Ford Kuga’s 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged engine had an open deck block and steel cylinder liners that were press-fitted into the block. For the B5254T3 engine, however, there have been rare cases of cracked cylinder liners (also known as sleeves). Symptoms of cracked cylinder liners include:
- Misfire when cold;
- Loss of coolant;
- Excessive white smoke; and,
- Rough running on start-up.
Engines that have been modified for greater power are considered more vulnerable to cracked cylinder liners (particularly beyond 240 kW); it has also been suggested that cracked cylinder liners were most common for pre-April 2008 engines, though AustralianCar.Reviews has not been able to verify this.
B5254T3 engine: solenoid boost valve
For the Ford Kuga’s 2.5-litre B5254T3 turbocharged petrol engine, the solenoid boost valve is susceptible to failure. If there is a lack of performance and the boost gauge boost doesn’t go beyond a quarter of the dial, this is indicative of a failed solenoid boost valve. If the valve is operating properly, the dial on the boost pressure gauge should go beyond halfway before settling down in the middle.
