FORD PUMA Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 972 MOT tests from 385 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every FORD PUMA has the same fault.

FORD PUMA's have a average reliability rating of 429/999. The score was calculated from the average of every FORD PUMA that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the FORD PUMA.

FORD PUMA (example)

Check a Ford Puma before you buy

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	449/999Average	75,975 miles	822 vehicles
N/A	N/A	421/999Average	77,762 miles	4,293 vehicles
N/A	N/A	416/999Average	74,712 miles	685 vehicles

How reliable is the FORD PUMA?

Based on 972 MOT tests from 385 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

385

MOT tests

972

Pass rate

83.6%

Median mileage

30,539 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every FORD PUMA has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 952 out of 999.

Common FORD PUMA MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 178 advisory comments and 35 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 41 advisory comments and 13 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE SLIGHTLY CORRODED (3.6.B.2C)

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 32 advisory comments and 7 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 32 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 15 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Headlamp faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 3 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a headlamp that was not working, insecure, or aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE HEADLAMP AIM TOO HIGH (1.8)

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 3 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING LAMP INDICATES AN ABS FAULT (3.4.1C)

FORD PUMA MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2026	30	0	—	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2025	37	0	—	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2024	56	7	100%	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2023	80	86	83.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2022	68	136	94.9%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2021	39	138	87%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2020	54	231	88.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2002	5	115	80%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2001	5	125	74.4%	Corrosion, Tyre wear

What to check when buying a used FORD PUMA

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Headlamp faults. Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.
Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Buying a FORD PUMA?

Common problems tell you what can affect FORD PUMAs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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