Ford Kuga.....anyone else have one?

[Box Brownie]

Hi all

I mentioned in another thread that I was getting a new(to me) Kuga, which I have done and for the few miles so far driven I am delighted with it

But something I failed to realise or appreciate was not 'right' about it, I have taken up with the dealer as follows:-

History for me ~ my PX car was a 65 plate Ford Focus and this had a plastic engine cover (shroud) over the top of the engine................presumably for dust protection and additional noise reduction.

Upon first inspection of the Kuga I noticed that it had no such cover but surmised that 'oh, well different model = different different 'finishing'......'???

However, the manual shows a diagram with such a cover on all the engine types, petrol and diesel in the car and I have since found some engine bay photographs of the Kuga showing the presence of the covers.

I have had an initial answer of "...........................that when certain Model Year EcoBoost 1.5L Petrol engine Kuga were built (this is something that we have observed before), they were not fitted with these from the Factory and this would be an inconsistency with some other Model versions and with the User’s Manual that shows a cover." Now, this comes across as 'we don't know' and the reply goes on to say that the part is not listed on their internal systems as available to be sold by them but he will investigate further as to spares parts availability?

So either they are trying to cover it being "missing" by a pile of BS or indeed Ford sometimes in the manufacturing of the Kuga and other models have not fitted those engine covers!

Knowing how complex motor manufacturing is, surely the VIN number will associate with the "build number" audit trail and be able to show/prove whether I am being told the truth or not as the case may be but who do I write to independently to ask the question?

TIA for any insights and/or feedback

PS @nilagin have you any insight on this one?

 

[Cobra]

PS @nilagin have you any insight on this one?

Don't hold your breath he last logged on on the 10th of July ...

 

[broc]

Hi all

I mentioned in another thread that I was getting a new(to me) Kuga, which I have done and for the few miles so far driven I am delighted with it

But something I failed to realise or appreciate was not 'right' about it, I have taken up with the dealer as follows:-

History for me ~ my PX car was a 65 plate Ford Focus and this had a plastic engine cover (shroud) over the top of the engine................presumably for dust protection and additional noise reduction.

Upon first inspection of the Kuga I noticed that it had no such cover but surmised that 'oh, well different model = different different 'finishing'......'???

However, the manual shows a diagram with such a cover on all the engine types, petrol and diesel in the car and I have since found some engine bay photographs of the Kuga showing the presence of the covers.

I have had an initial answer of "...........................that when certain Model Year EcoBoost 1.5L Petrol engine Kuga were built (this is something that we have observed before), they were not fitted with these from the Factory and this would be an inconsistency with some other Model versions and with the User’s Manual that shows a cover." Now, this comes across as 'we don't know' and the reply goes on to say that the part is not listed on their internal systems as available to be sold by them but he will investigate further as to spares parts availability?

So either they are trying to cover it being "missing" by a pile of BS or indeed Ford sometimes in the manufacturing of the Kuga and other models have not fitted those engine covers!

Knowing how complex motor manufacturing is, surely the VIN number will associate with the "build number" audit trail and be able to show/prove whether I am being told the truth or not as the case may be but who do I write to independently to ask the question?

TIA for any insights and/or feedback

PS @nilagin have you any insight on this one?

I don't have a Kuga, however you might find a Ford Kuga forum helpful?

Ford Kuga Owners Club Forums

A forum community dedicated to Ford Kuga owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, troubleshooting, reviews, maintenance, and more!

www.kugaownersclub.co.uk

Ford Kuga Club

www.fordownersclub.com

 

[Brentor]

Perhaps go to Ford direct as they should know.

 

[Box Brownie]

Don't hold your breath he last logged on on the 10th of July ...

I did note his last posted date.................but as his profile is Private I wondered if he has been at times just "looking in" ?

I don't have a Kuga, however you might find a Ford Kuga forum helpful?

Ford Kuga Owners Club Forums

A forum community dedicated to Ford Kuga owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, troubleshooting, reviews, maintenance, and more!

www.kugaownersclub.co.uk

Ford Kuga Club

www.fordownersclub.com

Thanks for those

Perhaps go to Ford direct as they should know.

Yes, I have just sent a email to Ford UK Customer Relations and will see what they thoughts are on the matter.

 

[Paul W. H]

Go to this (Official Ford) site and enter the Reg or VIN number for information about the car, it will tell you what engine it has amonst other things.

See https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do

 

[Box Brownie]

Go to this (Official Ford) site and enter the Reg or VIN number for information about the car, it will tell you what engine it has amonst other things.

See https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do

Already done that, thanks but the level of build details does not include the presence or absence of components like the engine cover that I mentioned.

 

[Paul W. H]

It used to show everythng including things like type of floormats supplied

 

[Box Brownie]

It used to show everythng including things like type of floormats supplied

I was entering the VIN and the only linked info "PTI information" goes to a list of data but not that I could see of such details

 

[Box Brownie]

PS there might be other data......I found a couple of links from that PTI list that required Etis user login.

 

[Cobra]

but as his profile is Private I wondered if he has been at times just "looking in" ?

We greenies see everything
No, he can't hide that from us.

He can of course look without logging in, but a lot of the forums are not accessible.

 

[Paul W. H]

I used to be able to login to Ford ETIS but I can't anymore, I think it is garages only now.

 

[T_J_G]

@Box Brownie
I have a 2018 Kuga ST Line 1.5 petrol. There is no engine cover fitted.

 

[Brentor]

Perhaps you can buy a replacement, they seem to be quite cheap.

 

[Box Brownie]

@Box Brownie
I have a 2018 Kuga ST Line 1.5 petrol. There is no engine cover fitted.

Hi Tim

Thanks for posting.....................how are you getting on with owning it? So about 12-18 months apart in manufacturing.

Ah! mine is, as mentioned a 69 plate, also ST-Line 1.5L (150PS engine). (NB though I would have liked the AWD and the 182 PS engine................the higher pollution, Tax and purchase price did not 'work out for me'. The number of times I might need 4x4 capability will be tiny but the higher viewpoint (see over hedges ) more comfort getting into & out of the car and overall nicety of the Kuga grabbed my attention

FWIW contrary to my SWMBO was concerned about, it is not much bigger than the Focus......................3 inches wider and 4.65 inches longer.................though taller by 8.85 inches ~ oh yes


I do find it odd that they omitted the cover, possibly on all ST-Line 1.5L models. As per my email to Ford Customer Relations it will be interesting to see what the "horses mouth" has to say on the matter??? As to me it does offer some general protection from muck & dust as well a tad of noise reduction.

I will for both thread continuity and feedback of interest to us both(?) post what I learn

Picture of the engine bay

Perhaps you can buy a replacement, they seem to be quite cheap.

As per above re Ford CR response (when I get a reply) that be be my only option if I want the IMO perceived benefit of having a cover

 

[T_J_G]

I would’ve liked the bigger engine and AWD too as the 150PS is a bit sluggish up hills. But I got a really good lease deal so it doesn’t really matter. It’s doing it’s purpose as a family wagon.

 

[bumper]

VW have started to do this. I know it's only a plastic shroud but the engine looks wrong and messy. It always looks like there's something missing because there is! It's also a massive trap for flies and wasps etc..

I bought one for my VW. Not a VW cover because they were a ridiculous cost but a Skoda version (identical) for way less than half the cost and changed the badge. All of the mounts for it were still on the engine.

My current car always had 2 large rubber mounts on either side of the engine bay to take the weight of the bonnet. They now only come with one.
I've been told it's for a) weight saving by removing lots of useless parts b) removing plastics from modern cars c) keeping costs down

My money is on c) penny pinching.

 

[Mr Badger]

I'd leave it as it is, who knows, the reason they didn't fit a cover to that engine might be to prevent overheating or fire risk, etc.

 

[Gremlin]

If you do put one on, don't forget to tell your insurance company as it would be classed as a modification,
if as Mr Badger said it is to prevent overheating then it could cause problems if you had to claim

 

[LeeRatters]

If you do put one on, don't forget to tell your insurance company as it would be classed as a modification,
if as Mr Badger said it is to prevent overheating then it could cause problems if you had to claim

I've always owned modified cars but nowadays it's getting ridiculous....

 

[Gremlin]

I've always owned modified cars but nowadays it's getting ridiculous....

Yeah I know, but not worth the risk of no disclosure

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

I've always owned modified cars but nowadays it's getting ridiculous....

Yeah, I've just updated my air freshener.
Better let them know....

 

[Box Brownie]

I'd leave it as it is, who knows, the reason they didn't fit a cover to that engine might be to prevent overheating or fire risk, etc.

That is a key reason why I hope for a meaningful answer directly from Ford UK!

As in, if this is a technical reason for its omission vs a cosmetic/ commercial one??? Though the cynic in me thinks any answer will not be that definitive!

If you do put one on, don't forget to tell your insurance company as it would be classed as a modification,
if as Mr Badger said it is to prevent overheating then it could cause problems if you had to claim

A valid point if it is a non technical omission and the cover is deemed to be primarily a cosmetic 'modification', then for sure as it was not factory fitted, if I went ahead and fitted one then a notification to insurers required.

 

[gman]

I've currently got a 2019 Kuga as a courtesy car and I don't even think it's a base spec. It's a 1.5 petrol, do you want me to check if it has got an engine cover?

 

[Tigger.ufo]

I've currently got a 2019 Kuga as a courtesy car and I don't even think it's a base spec. It's a 1.5 petrol, do you want me to check if it has got an engine cover?

Yeah!

If you could just pull it off and post it ...





... joking!!!!

 

[Box Brownie]

I've currently got a 2019 Kuga as a courtesy car and I don't even think it's a base spec. It's a 1.5 petrol, do you want me to check if it has got an engine cover?

If you are content to do so, please do have a gander

PS there are 3 variants of the 1.5 L petrol.... if you can identify the model variant (i.e. Zetec, Titanium & Titanium X, ST-Line & ST-Line Edition, Vignale?) that will give a clue as to which engine variant it will likely be ?

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

Yeah!

If you could just pull it off and post it ...





... joking!!!!

That's exactly what I was thinking

 

[Box Brownie]

I've currently got a 2019 Kuga as a courtesy car and I don't even think it's a base spec. It's a 1.5 petrol, do you want me to check if it has got an engine cover?

Yeah!

If you could just pull it off and post it ...





... joking!!!!

That's exactly what I was thinking

Puts me in mind of an apparently true (maybe urban myth) story of when the first Ford Mustangs came out.................many sold to an appreciative ownership, though it was considered underpowered.

Then (not too sure about the specific engine) they brought out Mustang with the most powerful engine fitted! The hire companies took that into their fleets ~ the story goes that they were hired out and returned with thrashed engines, the renters pulled the engines and put them in their own already race ready bodies................and ran them on the ragged edge. Swapped them back to return at the end of the hire period, having enjoyed & destroyed the engines

 

[gman]

If you are content to do so, please do have a gander

PS there are 3 variants of the 1.5 L petrol.... if you can identify the model variant (i.e. Zetec, Titanium & Titanium X, ST-Line & ST-Line Edition, Vignale?) that will give a clue as to which engine variant it will likely be ?

Where do I start... it doesn't have keyless entry, no climate control, no auto headlights, terrible standard headlights, no led drl, no paddles, woeful sound system, no electric seats, no epb, no power boot, no global opening or closing windows, no reversing camera, no front parking sensors, no folding mirrors, no puddle lights, no remote headlights activation and probably more I've forgotten.

I think it's some special sub-base spec designed purposely as a courtesy car to suck all life and soul out of the driver. I'm sure the higher specs will be much better though, but this one... jeez I did not expect it on a 2019 Kuga.

So, I did not go out with high hopes and upon opening the bonnet it did not disappoint. I can't imagine it is to do with heat, it's only a 1.5. Maybe they started listening to mechanics, who hate engine covers lol (and under trays).

Reg is SD69 ***

 

[Box Brownie]

Where do I start... it doesn't have keyless entry, no climate control, no auto headlights, terrible standard headlights, no led drl, no paddles, woeful sound system, no electric seats, no epb, no power boot, no global opening or closing windows, no reversing camera, no front parking sensors, no folding mirrors, no puddle lights, no remote headlights activation and probably more I've forgotten.

I think it's some special sub-base spec designed purposely as a courtesy car to suck all life and soul out of the driver. I'm sure the higher specs will be much better though, but this one... jeez I did not expect it on a 2019 Kuga.

So, I did not go out with high hopes and upon opening the bonnet it did not disappoint. I can't imagine it is to do with heat, it's only a 1.5. Maybe they started listening to mechanics, who hate engine covers lol (and under trays).

Reg is SD69 ***

View attachment 291312

thanks for looking and posting the picture

Well, it does seem that for whatever reason they have dispensed with the engine covers on (all?) the 1.5L petrol versions!!! Though as mentioned above, I look forward to seeing what Ford Customer Relations tell me about it ~ maybe or :banghead: or or or but whatever they say, every time I see it on the drive I am pleased I bought it

PS ..............................and saving grace, your courtesy car is RED too, yah!!!!!

PPS @gman as I posted late I missed the irony in your post #24 re: not even base spec! Having reread your summary ~ it seems to be the Zetec base model........though of your summary above AFAIK it would have global window closing, it is universal across the range....only the highest spec ones add the global opening

Engine wise it could be the lower powered 120PS or the optional 150PS?

 

[gman]

thanks for looking and posting the picture

Well, it does seem that for whatever reason they have dispensed with the engine covers on (all?) the 1.5L petrol versions!!! Though as mentioned above, I look forward to seeing what Ford Customer Relations tell me about it ~ maybe or :banghead: or or or but whatever they say, every time I see it on the drive I am pleased I bought it

PS ..............................and saving grace, your courtesy car is RED too, yah!!!!!

PPS @gman as I posted late I missed the irony in your post #24 re: not even base spec! Having reread your summary ~ it seems to be the Zetec base model........though of your summary above AFAIK it would have global window closing, it is universal across the range....only the highest spec ones add the global opening

Engine wise it could be the lower powered 120PS or the optional 150PS?

Aye, it's giant tomato red, I do feel that this colour and style of car could really do with tinted rear windows (which mine doesn't surprise, surprise). I never checked global closing because I couldn't global open. I suspect it will be the 120PS version as 0-60 mph is roughly a fortnight and I'm guessing it's not AWD. I understand why they have such a basic model as it makes the car more accessible and some people don't like all the frills.

It will be interesting to see what they say about the engine cover, although I do believe the primary purpose with most vehicles is cosmetic, some do have integrated airflow though.