Ford Kuga Problems

The Kuga is a good drive but, like Rob, you should get her to test drive the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson before making a decision.

From my personal experience, Hella makes a great range of both HID and LED driving lamps. I'd lean to HID for best long-range penetration. Get a professional to do the installation to ensure the wiring is right and also there is no shake in the lamp mountings.

Most owners are happy with the fuel consumption they get from their Kuga, and no one we have spoken to has suggested the electrics are a problem at high temperatures. One did say they thought the air-conditioning wasn't up to the task, which could be what you are referring to. The Kuga is an import, and imports often have inferior air-conditioning systems that struggle in Australia's extreme heat. The only other issue that cropped up was one with the particulate filter with the diesel, which would go into 'limp-home' mode because the filter failed to regenerate automatically. When that happens it's usually a sign that the owner's driving cycle isn't suitable for the diesel. Dealers can do a manual regeneration, but that costs money. Overall the Kuga appears to be a decent enough car.

The CX-5 is still best in class but a new Kia Sportage has just arrived and promises to be just as good. I’d steer you towards a Subaru Forester or Outback. They drive like a car, are more refined and easily handle country roads.

I’m surprised they don’t make one, try one of the aftermarket accessory shops. You should be able to find one there. Alternatively you could get one from Custom Carmats at www.customcarmats.com.au. The cost is $65.

I am reluctant to recommend any European car, particularly those from VW, because of the problems that have soured the ownership experience for so many people. Rather than those you name I would be looking at the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Suzuki Vitara.

Suzuki is a classy brand and the Grand Vitara gets The Tick, even if I'm not a fan of the constantly variable transmission.

We haven't had any other reports of problems like you have experienced. You don't say what engine you have, but if it's a diesel you have the Powershift automatic transmission, which has been troublesome in other Ford models, such as the Focus.