Ford Kuga Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- Ford
FixMyCar provides key information about the Ford Kuga.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Tuesday May 06 2025
9 min read
The Ford Kuga is a family-friendly medium-sized SUV that combines comfort with practicality. It features advanced tech, a spacious interior, and a great range of engine options.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Fiesta in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
Ford Kuga generations
Ford Kuga Mk1 2008-2012
The Mk1 Kuga marked Ford’s entry into the compact SUV market. Built on the Ford Focus platform, it offered a car-like driving experience with raised ride height and optional AWD.
Body styles:
Five-door SUV
Key engine options:
2.5-litre 200bhp petrol
2.0-litre 135-163bhp TDCi diesel
Ford Kuga Mk2 2012-2020
The second-generation Kuga was designed with families in mind, which significantly boosted its popularity. It was bigger and more refined than its predecessor, and a facelift in 2016 delivered improved tech for drivers who like their gadgets.
Body styles:
Five-door SUV
Key engine options:
1.5-litre 120-182bhp EcoBoost petrol
2.0-litre 120-180bhp TDCi diesel
1.5-litre 120bhp TDCi diesel
Ford Kuga Mk3 2020-present
The Mk3 Kuga is lower, sleeker, and bigger, with a clear shift towards electrified powertrains. The leading option is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which combines a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor to create 222bhp and an impressive fuel efficiency of 200 miles per gallon.
At its launch, there were five trim options, including the usual suspects: Zetec, Titanium and ST-Line.
Body styles:
Five-door SUV
Key engine options:
1.5-litre 120-150bhp EcoBoost petrol
2.0-litre EcoBlue 150-190bhp diesel
2.5-litre 190bhp petrol hybrid (FHEV)
2.5-litre 225bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Service intervals
Maintaining your Ford Kuga is crucial to minimise breakdowns and extend its lifespan.
As a rule of thumb, you should book a full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, and a major service every 24 months or 24,000 miles. The major service should be carried out in place of your annual service for that year.
However, cars vary in their maintenance requirements, so it’s essential to check your owner’s manual for the correct information for your vehicle.
Ford recommends the following service intervals for different Kuga configurations. A time and a distance are given for each interval – the service should be carried out at whichever comes first.
| Model | Interim service – 1 year/10k | Full service - 1 year/6k | 1 year/10k | 1 year 12.5k | 1 year/15k | 1 year/18k | 2 years/12.5k | 2 years/18k | 2 years 20k |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuga (02/2008-12/2012) | X | ||||||||
| Kuga 1.5L Duratorq Euro 6 (05/2016-) | X | ||||||||
| Kuga 1.5L Duratorq Euro 6.2 (09/03/2018-) | X | x | |||||||
| Kuga EcoBoost (07/2012-) | X | ||||||||
| Kuga 2,0L Duratorq TDCi Euro 5 (07/2012-01/09/2015) | X | ||||||||
| Kuga 2,0L Duratorq TDCi Euro 6 (13/10/2014-23/04/2017) | X | ||||||||
| Kuga 2,0L Duratorq TDCi Euro 6 (24/04/2017-13/10/2018) | X | ||||||||
| Kuga 2,0L Duratorq TDCi Euro 6.2 (05/12/2017-07/04/2019) | X | x | |||||||
| Kuga 2,0L Duratorq TDCi Twin LNT Euro 6.2 (08/04/2019-) | X |
Additionally, Ford recommends you should carry out the following checks at home.
Monthly:
Every six months:
✅ Body and door drain holes
✅ Coolant level and strength
✅ Door weatherstrips
✅ Hinges, latches and outside locks
✅ Safety belts and seat latches
✅ Handbrake
✅ Safety warning lamps
✅ Washer spray and wiper operation
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Tyre pressure
What are the tyre pressures for a Ford Kuga?
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Kuga on TyrePressures.com.
However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure for your Kuga:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| Kuga model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025, 2024 | 225/60/R18 100 H | 34PSI/2.3 BAR | 25/60/R18 100 H | 30 PSI/2.1 BAR |
| 2023, 2022 | 225/55/R19 99 V | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 225/55/R19 99 V | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR |
| 2021 | 225/60/R18 100 V | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 225/60/R18 100 V | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR |
| 2020 | 235/45/ZR19 99 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 235/45/ZR19 99 Y | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR |
| 2019 | 235/50/R18 97 V | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR | 235/50/R18 97 V | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR |
How to reset the Ford Kuga tyre pressure warning light
Switch the ignition on. The engine doesn’t need to be running.
Use the steering wheel control buttons to open the menu.
Scroll down and select ‘settings’.
Next, navigate to ‘driver assist’, then ‘tyre monitor’.
Hold down the ‘OK’ button for two-to-three seconds until you see a message confirming the tyre pressure has been stored.
Engine oil
It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil for your Kuga – find out why in this guide.
5W-30 oil is commonly used in Ford models, but the recommended oil grade can differ between different Kuga configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the correct oil for your vehicle.
Ford recommends using Castrol engine oil.
Mk2 Kuga 2.0 TDCi – 0W-30
Mk2 1.5 EcoBoost – 5W-20
Mk3 1.5 EcoBoost – 5W-20
Mk3 2.5 Hybrid – 0W-20
What is the oil capacity of a Ford Kuga?
Oil capacity can vary between depending on the engine size. Most Kugas have a capacity of between four and six litres.
Examples:
1.5 EcoBoost – 4.1-litres
2.5 hybrid – 4.7-litres
2.0 TDCi – 5.7-litres
Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system.
Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide.
Battery
What battery do I need for my Ford Kuga?
The type and size of the battery will depend on the model’s configurations. You can find this information in your owner’s manual.
Mk1 models – type 110
Mk2 models – AGM 096 for start-stop models; type 100 for non-start-stop
Mk3 models – AGM 096 for non-hybrid models; AGM 110 for hybrids
Things to consider when buying a battery for your Ford Kuga
Start-Stop Systems: Models equipped with start-stop technology require Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) due to their enhanced charge cycles and durability.
Battery Dimensions: It's crucial to match the battery dimensions and hold-down type to ensure proper fitment.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Higher CCA values are beneficial for cold starts, especially in diesel engines.
Battery Brands: Reputable brands like Bosch, Varta, Exide, and Halfords offer batteries compatible with Ford Kuga models.
Signs your Ford Kuga battery needs replacing
Here’s a quick overview of the warning signs you should be aware of. Read this guide to learn more.
Battery warning light illuminated
Engine takes longer to start
Headlights are dim
Want to make your battery last longer? Here are our top tips.
Warning lights
What do the warning lights mean on a Ford Kuga?
Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test.
Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic.
Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage.
Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide.
Ford Kuga warning lights you might not know
Ford engine warning light
The engine warning light (also known as the engine management light) is reasonably well known. However, it can have an unusual trigger in Mk2 and Mk3 Kuga models: an active grille shutter problem.
The active grille shutter (AGS) system in the Ford Kuga is designed to improve engine efficiency by controlling airflow through the grille. When there's a malfunction, the AGS system may trigger a warning, but it doesn't have a dedicated dashboard symbol. Instead, the engine warning light often appears.
Ford electric parking brake fault
The parking brake fault light looks like a “P” in a circle with a wrench or warning triangle. It indicates a problem with the electronic handbrake system that can be caused by issues ranging from a dirty switch to more complex mechanical problems.
Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test!
Common problems
Here, we look at two common problems encountered by Kuga owners.
1. Electrical issues
Many Kuga owners have experienced problems with their car’s electrical systems, including:
Infotainment system malfunctions
Keyless entry system faults
Unexpected or incorrect warning lights
2. DPF problems
Diesel models are prone to diesel particulate filter blockages, especially those used mainly for short trips. This can result in the car losing power or going into limp mode, dashboard warning lights related to the exhaust system, and costly repairs.
Find out how to avoid DPF problems.
Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice:
Top Ford Kuga questions and topics
How do you open the bonnet on a Ford Kuga?
Mk1 Kuga
Slide the right side of the Ford logo on the front of the car in an anticlockwise direction to reveal a keyhole.
Put your car key into the keyhole and twist to the left to unlock the bonnet.
Pull the bonnet up while twisting the key to the right.
Secure the bonnet in place.
Mk2 Kuga
Pull the bonnet release lever near the passenger footwell. You should hear the bonnet click open.
Slide your fingers under the bonnet and unfasten the release catch.
Open the bonnet and secure it in place.
Mk3 Kuga
Locate the bonnet release lever near the passenger footwell and pull it twice.
Lift the bonnet and secure it in place.
Which Ford Kuga engine is best?
The best Ford Kuga engine depends on what you will use the car for and your budget. Here are the options we think are best for different circumstances:
Best for budget-conscious drivers: 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol. Adequate performance for everyday driving while prioritising lower upfront costs.
Best for high mileage: 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel. Offers impressive fuel efficiency.
Best overall: 2.5-litre full hybrid (FHEV). Offers a balance of performance and efficiency.
Wondering if a hybrid car is right for you? Get the lowdown in this hybrid vs combustion engine guide.
Where is the Ford Kuga built?
The new Kuga is built at Ford’s manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.