Quick answer
A used Ford Kuga Gen II starts from €10,000 and Gen III from €18,000 in Lithuania. According to WHEELSTREET data, the 1.5 EcoBoost petrol with a manual gearbox is the most reliable choice, while the Gen III PHEV was subject to a fire risk recall — verify the recall has been completed before purchasing. Avoid the PowerShift DCT gearbox due to clutch judder issues.
The Ford Kuga is one of the most popular compact SUVs in Europe — dynamic driving, European engineering and a wide engine range. In the used market the Kuga is available at relatively accessible prices. However, the third generation had a serious PHEV battery failure problem — this is essential knowledge before buying.
Generations Overview
Generation I (2008–2012)
Budget option with 2.0 TDCi diesel.
Price: 5,000–11,000 €
Strengths: Simple, reliable, inexpensive to maintain.
Problems: DPF and EGR standard diesel maintenance. Dated design.
Recommended? As a budget buy — yes.
Generation II (2012–2019) ⭐ Best Buy
Updated platform, EcoBoost engines, improved cabin.
Price: 10,000–22,000 €
Strengths:
- 1.5 EcoBoost 150/182 hp — economical and dynamic
- 2.0 EcoBoost 242 hp (AWD version) — more powerful
- 2.0 TDCi 150/180 hp diesel — economical
- Sync 2/Sync 3 multimedia with Apple CarPlay
- Intelligent 4WD AWD — works well in winter
Problems: 1.6 EcoBoost (pre-2015) — oil consumption problem. 1.5 EcoBoost (from 2015) — significantly improved. PowerShift 6DCT automatic gearbox — juddering on some examples.
Recommended? Yes — with 1.5 EcoBoost or 2.0 TDCi.
Generation III (2019–present) — PHEV Recall ⚠️
Modern platform, PHEV version — but a known serious issue!
Price: 18,000–38,000 €
Strengths:
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) — 56 km electric range
- Improved cabin and multimedia (Sync 4)
- 2.5 Atkinson cycle petrol — efficient
⚠️ PHEV Battery Recall (2020–2021):
The Ford Kuga PHEV Gen III (2019–2021) had a critical battery failure problem — the battery head gasket could fail, creating a fire risk. Ford recalled approximately 18,000 vehicles across Europe in 2020 and temporarily halted PHEV sales. Most affected cars have been repaired under the recall. VIN recall check is mandatory before purchase.
Recommended? Yes — if the recall has been completed (VIN check mandatory).
Best Engines
Petrol
1.5 EcoBoost 150/182 hp (Gen II/III, from 2015) — best petrol choice. Reliable and economical.
2.0 EcoBoost 242 hp (Gen II, AWD) — powerful, but higher fuel consumption.
2.5 Atkinson FHEV 190 hp (Gen III) — mild-hybrid, efficient.
Avoid:
- 1.6 EcoBoost (Gen II, pre-2015) — oil consumption problems
Diesel
2.0 TDCi 150/180 hp (Gen II) — economical and reliable for motorway driving.
1.5 EcoBlue (Gen III) — smaller diesel variant.
Known Kuga Problems
1. PHEV Battery Recall (Gen III) — MANDATORY CHECK
Ford recalled the Kuga PHEV due to battery head gasket failure — potential fire risk. If the car was included in the recall, the repair must have been completed at a Ford dealer. Check the VIN before purchase using Ford's recall database or your national vehicle authority recall checker.
2. PowerShift DCT Juddering (Gen II)
The Ford PowerShift 6-speed DCT automatic gearbox is known to judder at low speeds (reversing, parking manoeuvres). Early Gen II (2012–2015) is most affected. Fix: software update or clutch replacement. Test during parking manoeuvres before purchase.
3. 1.6 EcoBoost Oil Consumption (Gen II, pre-2015)
The 1.6 EcoBoost engine in early Gen II had increased oil consumption problems. Resolved from 2015 with the improved 1.5 EcoBoost.
4. EGR and DPF (TDCi)
Like all modern diesels — periodic EGR valve cleaning, DPF regeneration on motorway driving.
What to Check Before Buying
- ✅ VIN history check — imported from UK, Germany, Poland
- ✅ PHEV recall status (Gen III PHEV) — has the recall been completed?
- ✅ PowerShift judder test — parking and low-speed manoeuvres
- ✅ OBD diagnostics — engine and transmission fault codes
- ✅ Oil level check (1.6 EcoBoost pre-2015) — consumption?
Prices in Lithuania (2026)
| Version | Year | Price (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen II 1.5 EcoBoost FWD | 2015–2019 | 10,000–17,000 | Best budget option |
| Gen II 2.0 TDCi AWD | 2013–2019 | 11,000–19,000 | Diesel AWD |
| Gen III 2.5 FHEV | 2019–2022 | 18,000–28,000 | Mild-hybrid |
| Gen III PHEV | 2019–2022 | 20,000–32,000 | Check recall status |
Ford Kuga vs Rivals
vs VW Tiguan:
- Tiguan: more stable and reliable platform
- Kuga: more dynamic driving characteristics
- Tiguan: higher price in the used market
vs Toyota RAV4:
- RAV4: more reliable and better HEV system
- Kuga: lower purchase price
- RAV4: higher residual values
vs Hyundai Tucson:
- Tucson: more modern platform (Gen IV from 2021)
- Kuga: better driving dynamics
- Hyundai: better warranty (7 years new)
Our Recommendation
Best buy in 2026: Ford Kuga Gen II 1.5 EcoBoost or 2.0 TDCi AWD, 2015–2019, mileage 70,000–120,000 km, price 12,000–18,000 €.
Avoid: 1.6 EcoBoost pre-2015, PHEV without recall verification, PowerShift with unresolved judder problem.
The Ford Kuga is a solid compact SUV with European driving dynamics and accessible pricing. With the right EcoBoost engine and verified service history — a reliable choice.
FAQ
Is the Ford Kuga reliable?
Gen II (2012–2019) with the 1.5 EcoBoost (from 2015) or 2.0 TDCi is genuinely solid. The 1.6 EcoBoost pre-2015 has known oil consumption issues. Gen III is reliable mechanically — but the PHEV recall must be verified. PowerShift DCT requires checking for judder at purchase.
Is the PHEV safe to buy?
Yes — if the recall has been completed. Ford issued a full recall in 2020 for the battery head gasket fix. Check the VIN against the Ford recall database before purchase. An unresolved recall car should not be bought.
Kuga or VW Tiguan — which is better?
VW Tiguan is more reliable long-term and has better residual values — but costs more in the used market. The Kuga offers more dynamic driving feel and is significantly cheaper for the equivalent age and spec. For value buyers — Kuga. For those prioritising long-term reliability — Tiguan.
Looking for a verified used Ford Kuga in Lithuania? WHEELSTREET sources and inspects Kuga models from across Europe. Contact us for a free consultation.
You might also find useful:
- 🚗 Ford listings at WHEELSTREET — verified Ford Kuga models with warranty
- 🔍 Car sourcing service — we find the best compact SUV for your budget
- 🏆 Hyundai Tucson buying guide — the Kuga's strongest rival
- 💰 Leasing calculator — calculate your monthly Ford Kuga payment
WHEELSTREET ☎ +370 610 33377 | wheelstreet.lt
