Britain's best-selling small SUV combines fun-to-drive handling with practical packaging. The revised 1.0 EcoBoost uses a timing chain (not the problematic wet belt of earlier Focus/Fiesta engines), though a small oil pump belt still exists and should be monitored. The 48V mild hybrid system adds refinement but brings potential battery/sensor issues. The 7-speed DCT automatic is the newer wet-clutch design - much improved over Ford's infamous dry-clutch PowerShift. Manual gearbox versions show better long-term reliability. Main concerns: infotainment freezes, parcel shelf rattling, mild hybrid system faults, parking sensors, and heater control valve failures causing overheating. Early 2019-2021 models have more teething issues.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€850 - €1,400/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€550-900
Risk buffer
€300-500
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
SYNC infotainment system freezing/rebooting€0 - €800
Screen freezes, reboots unexpectedly, or goes black - usually fixable with soft reset or software update · more· less
Common complaint across Ford Pumas - the SYNC 3 system occasionally freezes, goes black, or reboots while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may disconnect randomly. First try a soft reset: press and hold Power + Right-Seek buttons for 5 seconds. If persistent, a master reset (factory reset) may help but erases all settings. Some cases require dealer software updates (free under warranty). Rarely, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) fails and needs replacement (€600-800). Most cases resolve with simple resets or updates.
Dashboard warnings related to hybrid system - often sensors or wiring, but battery replacement expensive · more· less
The 48V battery (located under driver's seat) can fail or lose charge, especially in cold weather. Early models had water ingress issues causing electrical shorts - Ford moved battery location. Warning lights often indicate faulty sensors or loose connections rather than battery failure. There was a recall for improperly torqued battery terminals (Nov 2019 - July 2020 production). Battery replacement costs €1,500-2,100 at dealers due to shortage. No degradation warranty exists for 48V batteries. Software updates often resolve sensor issues. Used batteries available much cheaper (€240-540) but installation requires specialist tools.
Heater control valve failure causing overheating€150 - €400
Electric valve sticks, restricting coolant flow and causing engine to overheat at higher RPMs · more· less
The heater control valve (HCV) on the bulkhead can stick partially closed, restricting coolant flow through the engine. Symptoms: overheating after 20+ minutes of driving, temperature gauge climbing at higher RPMs, lack of hot air from heater. Ford updated the valve design (old part: 98FU 18495 AB, new: 7N21 18495 AC). The valve controls both heater matrix flow and coolant bypass - when it sticks halfway, the thermostat doesn't receive enough hot coolant to open properly. Replacement is straightforward - valve simply hooks over bulkhead, held by hoses. Parts cost €80-120, labor 1-2 hours. Essential to bleed cooling system properly after replacement as Fords are prone to airlocks.
12V battery drain when parked€100 - €200
Battery goes flat after 5-7 days of not driving - common on mHEV models · more· less
Many mHEV Puma owners report the 12V battery draining completely after the car sits unused for 5-7 days, requiring jump-starts. The AA often finds the battery healthy upon testing. Possible causes: monthly satnav updates draining power, OBD socket/radio circuit drawing current (removing relevant fuse helps some owners), or Romanian Rombat batteries (fitted as standard) not holding charge well. The 48V system's constant charging/discharging may stress the 12V battery. Ford dealers often suggest driving more frequently or using a CTEK MXS 5.0 trickle charger. Battery replacement costs €100-120 for standard batteries, €150-200 for premium AGM types. Keep a jump starter in the car if you don't drive daily.
Parcel shelf rattling and falling into boot€0 - €50
Common annoyance - shelf pins too small, strings fall off hatch pins - easily fixed with DIY mods · more· less
Very common issue - the parcel shelf pins are too small to grip securely, and the retention strings slip off the boot hatch pins. Not a safety issue but extremely annoying. DIY fixes: wrap heat-shrink tubing (better than electrical tape) around the hinge pins to enlarge them, or fit small neoprene O-rings over the hatch pins to keep strings in place. O-rings cost about €5 for a pack. Some rattles that sound like the parcel shelf are actually the rear seat locking mechanism sliding on rough roads - check this first. Heat-shrink tubing lasts longer than tape which dries and crumbles. Keep spare O-rings in glovebox as they can occasionally slip off.
Turbo wastegate actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Actuator sticks from gentle driving/short trips, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if the car is driven only gently or for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms: EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light, limp mode, reduced power. Ford dealers will not sell the actuator separately - they insist on full turbo replacement (€1,200-2,500). Independent specialists can replace just the actuator for €500-600. If turbo internals are damaged by the stuck actuator, full replacement is necessary. Prevention: use premium fuel, drive spiritedly occasionally (Italian tune-up), avoid only short journeys. TurboSmart and BorgWarner make direct-fit replacement actuators. Check for service bulletin regarding P0234 overboost code before replacing turbo.
Front suspension bushes wearing prematurely€200 - €400
Known issue - bushes wear faster than expected, causing knocking from front end · more· less
Front suspension bushes on the Puma wear out more quickly than usual, typically between 40,000-80,000 km. Symptoms: knocking or clunking from front suspension over bumps, especially when turning. The front anti-roll bar links and lower control arm bushes are common culprits. When replacing bushes, also inspect brake pads/discs as they may need attention at similar intervals. Parts are readily available and not expensive (€80-150 for bushings), but labor can be 3-4 hours (€150-250) as the suspension must be partially disassembled. Aftermarket polyurethane bushes (slightly firmer ride) last longer than OEM rubber.
Parking sensors false alerts or failure€50 - €400
Sensors trigger false warnings or stop working - often dirt/wiring, sometimes software · more· less
Parking sensors can malfunction from dirt, snow, or ice buildup - clean sensors thoroughly first. False alerts may indicate sensor calibration issues or software bugs. Check settings menu under "driving aids" to ensure parking sensors are enabled. Low 12V battery voltage can cause random parking aid errors. Wiring should be tested with a voltmeter if sensors remain unresponsive. Rarely, the PCM module needs reflashing to fix onboard computer glitches. Individual sensor replacement costs €50-80 for parts, or €315 fitted at Ford dealers. Most issues resolve with cleaning, software updates, or wiring checks. Respray work can damage sensors - common on used cars.
Water pump failure (electric type)€600 - €1,200
Electric water pump integrated with thermostat housing - fails 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 1.0 EcoBoost uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. Failures common between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms: coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating. The electric design costs more than mechanical pumps (€400-500 for parts due to integration) but labor is lower (2-3 hours vs 4-6 hours). Always replace the thermostat simultaneously to avoid future labor costs - both share housing. Completely flush cooling system during replacement. Total cost including labor: €600-900 at independent garages, €900-1,200 at Ford dealers. Preventive replacement around 100,000 km may avoid being stranded.
The 7DCT300 wet-clutch is much better than old PowerShift, but clutch packs wear 100,000-160,000 km · more· less
The Puma uses Magna Getrag 7DCT300 wet-clutch transmission (not the infamous dry-clutch PowerShift from Focus/Fiesta). This is a fundamentally better design with oil-cooled clutches, rated for 300 Nm torque. Expected lifespan: approximately 160,000 km to first clutch replacement, then another 130,000 km after rebuild. Transmission fluid must be changed every 54,000 miles (87,000 km) or 6 years - critical for longevity. Symptoms of wear: jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking when engaging gear. Clutch pack replacement costs €1,500-2,000. Full mechatronics unit failure can reach €3,000-3,500. Manual gearbox Pumas avoid this issue entirely. The 7DCT has far fewer problems than the old 6DCT250 - follow maintenance schedule and it should be reliable.
Oil pump belt degradation (small wet belt)€650 - €1,600
The Puma has timing chain (good) but small oil pump wet belt remains - replace 100,000-144,000 km · more· less
IMPORTANT: The Puma's revised 1.0 EcoBoost (2019+) uses a TIMING CHAIN for cam drive, avoiding the catastrophic cam belt failures of 2012-2017 engines. However, a small wet belt still drives the oil pump. This belt runs in engine oil and can delaminate over time, depositing rubber debris into the oil pickup screen, causing oil starvation. Ford service schedule recommends replacement at 144,000 km or 10 years. Many specialists advise earlier replacement at 100,000 km. Some see issues as early as 40,000 km. Replacement cost: €650-800 at specialists, €1,200-1,600 at dealers if complications arise. Labor-intensive job (10-12 hours). No forum reports of Puma oil pump belt failures yet (as of 2024), suggesting the lighter load vs cam belt makes this less critical. Still, monitor for oil pressure warnings.
Manual clutch premature wear€800 - €1,800
Some 2019-2021 manual Pumas experience premature clutch wear or gearbox alignment issues · more· less
Early manual Pumas (2019-2021) sometimes suffer premature clutch wear or gearbox alignment problems. Clutch release bearings can wear or crack, causing grinding noises when shifting, especially into lower gears. Most owners replace the entire clutch assembly rather than just the bearing since the gearbox must be removed either way. Clutch kits cost €300-500, labor is 4-5 hours (€400-600), total €800-1,100 at independents or €1,200-1,800 at dealers. Some owners also report synchromesh issues requiring gearbox repair (€1,000-1,800). Ford has provided goodwill contributions (50-75% refunds) in some cases when contacted. Later production cars (2022+) appear less affected. Manual gearbox is still more reliable overall than DCT automatic.
Generally reliable for a modern small SUV, but watch electrical gremlins
The Puma scored 90% in What Car?'s 2023 reliability survey (17th of 22 small SUVs) and ranked 10th in the 2024 Driver Power survey. Most issues are electrical/software rather than mechanical. The revised 1.0 EcoBoost engine with timing chain is a significant improvement over earlier wet-belt engines. Manual gearbox versions are more reliable than DCT automatics. Early models (2019-2021) have more teething problems. The 48V mild hybrid adds complexity but hasn't caused major reliability issues. Proper servicing and avoiding only short trips keeps the turbo and hybrid system healthy.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Ford dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at correct intervals (every 12 months or 12,500 miles). Check if DCT transmission fluid was changed at 54,000 miles (if automatic).
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm recommended), tire age (not older than 6 years), and uneven wear patterns. Puma commonly uses 215/50R18 or 215/55R17.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Oil pump belt issues would show low oil pressure warning. Listen for unusual rattles.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, rust (uncommon on newer cars), paint mismatch indicating repairs. Parking sensor damage common if resprayed.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Monitor infotainment system for freezing, check all driver aids function correctly.
Specific for this vehicle
Test SYNC infotainment system thoroughly
Operate all functions for at least 10 minutes. Try Apple CarPlay/Android Auto if available. Watch for screen freezing, rebooting, or black screen. Check if radio works. Ask seller about history of infotainment issues.
Check for 48V hybrid system warning lights
Start car and watch dash for any hybrid-related warnings. Test mild hybrid assist by accelerating gently - should feel subtle electric boost. Ask seller about hybrid system repairs or battery replacements.
Test heater and cooling system
Drive for 20+ minutes, including some higher RPM running. Watch temperature gauge - should remain stable. Test heater at full hot - must blow strong hot air immediately. If heater is weak or temperature creeps up, suspect heater control valve.
Inspect 12V battery health and charging
Ask when battery was last replaced. Check for signs of recent jump-starts (ask seller directly). If possible, measure battery voltage: 12.5V when off, 13.5-14.5V when running. Ask if car has battery drain issues when parked.
Check parcel shelf and listen for rattles
Inspect parcel shelf pins and string attachments. Drive over rough road and listen for rattling from rear. Rattles can also be from rear seat locks sliding - check this too.
Test parking sensors and all driver aids
Test front and rear parking sensors near objects - should beep accurately. Check for false alarms. Verify lane-keep assist, forward collision warning work. Sensors can fail after respray work.
Inspect front suspension for knocking
Drive over speed bumps slowly and listen for knocking from front. Turn steering lock-to-lock while stationary - listen for creaking from steering rack. Test ride quality - should be firm but not harsh.
DCT automatic gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive for 15+ minutes to get transmission warm. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, or clunking when engaging Drive. Cold shifts are sometimes notchy - normal. When warm should be smooth. Check service records for transmission fluid changes.
Manual clutch and gearbox (if equipped)
Test clutch biting point - should be smooth and progressive. Listen for grinding when shifting, especially into lower gears (worn synchros or release bearing). Check for difficulty selecting gears or jumping out of gear.
Verify all recalls completed
Check with Ford dealer using VIN. Critical recalls: airbag retention springs (Nov 2019 - Jan 2020), 48V battery terminals (Nov 2019 - July 2020), eCall system (July 2019 - Feb 2021). Ask seller for proof of recall work.
Check for EPC warning light and turbo operation
During test drive, accelerate firmly to feel turbo boost - should be smooth and strong. Watch for EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light. If present, likely wastegate actuator issue. Ask about turbo repairs.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Airbag retention springs out of spec (Nov 2019 - Jan 2020)Verify completed
48V hybrid battery terminals not torqued (Nov 2019 - July 2020)Verify completed
eCall emergency system software issue (July 2019 - Feb 2021)Verify completed
Engine oil separator damage (June 2020 - May 2022)Verify completed
Restraint Control Module configuration (Nov 2019 - Jan 2020)Verify completed
Contact Ford with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. The airbag and 48V battery recalls are particularly important for early production cars. Ford halted Puma deliveries temporarily in Feb 2020 due to the airbag issue - all affected cars should now be fixed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty3 years / 60,000 miles
Paintwork defects3 years
Rust corrosion (manufacturing defects)12 years
Extended warranty availableUp to 5 years / 100,000 miles
48V hybrid battery degradationNo warranty
All 2019-2020 Pumas are outside factory warranty. Extended warranty can be purchased from Ford (approx €200-250/year for Gold coverage including AA breakdown). Must buy within 6 months of factory warranty expiring. The Ford Protect warranty is transferable to subsequent owners. Note: 48V and 12V batteries have no degradation warranty - only covered for manufacturing defects within standard warranty period.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.