Ford Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)

The Ford Puma has been one of the UK's best-selling cars since its relaunch in 2020. It outsold the Fiesta (before the Fiesta was discontinued) and regularly appears in the top 10 sales charts. But popularity does not always mean reliability. In this guide, we dig into the real MOT data, owner-reported problems, and running costs to give you an honest picture of what Puma ownership actually looks like.

If you are looking at a specific Puma, enter the registration number in our free tool to see its complete MOT history, advisory patterns, mileage verification and predicted repair costs.

Ford Puma: Which Version Are We Talking About?

Ford has used the Puma name twice. The original Ford Puma (1997 to 2001) was a small coupe based on the Fiesta platform. The current Ford Puma (2019 onwards) is a compact crossover/SUV, also based on the Fiesta platform but an entirely different car. This guide focuses on the current model (2019+).

Engine Options and Their Known Issues

1.0 EcoBoost 3-Cylinder (125PS and 155PS)

The 1.0 EcoBoost is Ford's bread-and-butter engine and powers the vast majority of Pumas on UK roads. It is available in two power outputs: 125PS (non-hybrid) and 155PS (mild hybrid, or mHEV). Known problems include:

• Coolant loss and head gasket issues: The 1.0 EcoBoost has a known weakness around the cylinder head gasket and coolant hoses. Symptoms include low coolant warnings, white smoke from the exhaust, and sweet-smelling steam. This is the single most expensive common repair, typically costing £800 to £1,500 depending on severity. Check the coolant level at every service and look for any history of coolant-related advisories on the MOT. Check a specific Puma's MOT history for coolant advisories →
• Turbocharger failure: The turbo on the 1.0 EcoBoost can fail, particularly on high-mileage examples (60,000+ miles). Symptoms include power loss, excessive oil consumption, and blue smoke. Replacement cost: £800 to £1,200 fitted. Verify the mileage on a used Puma before you buy →
• Carbon build-up: Direct injection engines are prone to carbon build-up on the intake valves. This causes rough idling, misfires, and reduced performance. A walnut blast cleaning costs £200 to £400 and is recommended every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

1.0 EcoBoost mHEV (Mild Hybrid)

The mild hybrid version adds a belt-driven starter-generator and 48V lithium-ion battery to recover energy under braking. Specific issues:

• 48V battery degradation: The small hybrid battery can lose capacity over time, reducing the already modest fuel economy benefit. Replacement cost is around £400 to £600. Check an mHEV Puma's history and running costs →
• Belt-integrated starter-generator (BISG) failures: Some owners report the stop-start system becoming unreliable or the BISG unit itself failing. This can trigger warning lights and limp mode. Replacement is £500 to £800.

1.5 EcoBoost (200PS, ST Model)

The Puma ST uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 200PS. It is mechanically robust but thirsty, returning around 38 to 42 mpg in real-world driving. Insurance group is 22 to 24, which makes it significantly more expensive to insure than the standard models (groups 10 to 14).

Based on DVSA data, these are the most common MOT failure points for the Ford Puma. Lighting failures are the most common because the Puma uses LED daytime running lights that can develop faults, and bulb access on some trim levels requires partial bumper removal (pushing up garage labour costs). Suspension issues, particularly front lower arm ball joints and anti-roll bar links, become more common after 40,000 miles.

Running Costs Breakdown

Cost Category	1.0 EcoBoost 125PS	1.0 EcoBoost mHEV 155PS	1.5 EcoBoost ST
Insurance Group	10-12	12-14	22-24
Road Tax (post-2017)	£190/year	£180/year (alt fuel)	£190/year
Real-World MPG	45-50	46-52	38-42
Annual Fuel (8,000 miles)	£950-£1,050	£900-£1,020	£1,120-£1,240
Annual Service	£200-£280	£220-£300	£250-£350
Typical Annual Total	£2,200-£2,600	£2,300-£2,700	£3,000-£3,500

The mild hybrid version does not save enough fuel to offset its higher insurance and servicing costs. Unless you have a specific reason to choose the mHEV (e.g. company car BIK tax savings), the standard 125PS offers the lowest total running costs. You can look up the exact insurance group for any Puma trim to get a more precise premium estimate before you buy.

What to Check When Buying a Used Ford Puma

1. Coolant level and history: Check the expansion tank is full. Look for any signs of coolant loss, milky oil, or white exhaust smoke. This is the number one expensive problem.
2. Turbo condition: Rev the engine and look for blue or white smoke. Listen for whining or whistling from the turbo area. Check oil consumption history if available.
3. MOT advisory patterns: Enter the reg number to see the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories, especially around suspension, brakes and emissions. Our tool highlights patterns and predicts future costs.
4. Infotainment system: The SYNC 3 system can develop glitches including screen freezes, Bluetooth disconnects, and navigation errors. Check everything works during the test drive.
5. MegaBox boot: The Puma's unique underfloor boot storage (the MegaBox) has a drain plug. Check the plug is present and the area is dry. Water ingress here can cause damp and odour issues.
6. Recalls: Check for outstanding recalls. The Puma has had recalls for fuel system issues and software updates. Ford dealers will fix these for free.

Ford Puma vs Competitors: Reliability Comparison

Model	MOT Pass Rate (3yr)	Ins. Group Range	Est. Annual Running Cost
Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost	87%	10-14	£2,200-£2,700
Nissan Juke 1.0 DIG-T	84%	10-13	£2,300-£2,800
Renault Captur 1.0 TCe	81%	9-12	£2,250-£2,750
Hyundai Kona 1.0T	88%	8-12	£2,100-£2,600
Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid	92%	11-15	£2,000-£2,400

The Puma is solidly mid-pack for reliability in its class. The Toyota Yaris Cross is the clear winner on MOT pass rates but costs more to buy. The Hyundai Kona offers similar reliability with lower insurance groups. The Nissan Juke and Renault Captur are slightly less reliable based on MOT data.

Is the Ford Puma Worth It?

Yes, with caveats. The Puma is a well-designed, good-to-drive small SUV with a practical interior and competitive pricing. Its reliability is above average for the class, and running costs are reasonable if you stick with the standard 1.0 EcoBoost. The key risks are the coolant/head gasket issue and turbo longevity, both of which can be spotted early through regular MOT checks and attentive ownership.

If you are looking at a specific Puma, check it here for free. Enter the registration number and you will see the car's complete MOT history, any red flags, mileage verification, and a personalised running cost estimate. It is the quickest way to spot expensive problems before they become your problems.