Is the 2008 FORD KUGA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of FORD KUGAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 5,250 tests. That's 5 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2008 FORD KUGA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 FORD KUGA?

The 2008 FORD KUGA has a 77% MOT pass rate based on 5,250 tests in 2026. This ranks 275 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year FORD KUGA is most reliable?

The 2020 FORD KUGA has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%. The least reliable year is 2008 at 77%.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 FORD KUGA?

The average mileage for a 2008 FORD KUGA is 127,415 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

FORD KUGA (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,250 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel1997cc18 years old5,250 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1997cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 18 years old, 77% of FORD KUGAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,250 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,415 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars275th of 589(top 47%)

Rank among FORD models879th of 1,167(top 75%)

vs national average-5%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average+4%(73% avg)

vs FORD average-8%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

127,415

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 FORD KUGA has 127,415 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 77%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

FORD KUGA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	90%	463	27,068 mi
2020	93%	2,350	32,002 mi
2019	91%	72,831	37,992 mi
2018	90%	67,605	47,508 mi
2017	89%	65,391	57,341 mi
2016	88%	57,840	66,680 mi
2015	85%	54,859	75,918 mi
2014	83%	42,904	83,683 mi
2013	83%	23,981	93,347 mi
2012	79%	17,973	102,529 mi
2011	78%	17,950	109,487 mi
2010	77%	18,799	117,792 mi
2009	77%	15,384	123,544 mi
2008	77%	5,250	127,415 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

-3%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

77%

same

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

-3%

HONDA CIVIC

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,050/year

72%

-5%

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About the 2008 FORD KUGA

The 2008 FORD KUGA is a family car with a 1997cc diesel engine. 5,250 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 127,415 miles at 18 years old, FORD KUGA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 FORD KUGA Fuel Costs

The 1997cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2008 FORD KUGA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD KUGA Reliability Trend

Newer FORD KUGAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 FORD KUGA

At 18 years old, the FORD KUGA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. With 5,250 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 FORD KUGA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 127k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2008 FORD KUGA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD KUGA(2008)	77%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010)	77%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
HONDA CIVIC(2007)	72%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050+£193

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.