Ford's answer to the hot crossover market - essentially a Fiesta ST on stilts. Fun to drive with sharp handling, though ride is firm due to sport suspension and 19-inch wheels. The 1.5 EcoBoost engine is shared with the Fiesta ST and generally reliable when properly maintained. Main concerns: mild hybrid battery drain issues, panoramic roof leaks, clutch wear on manual versions, and front suspension bushes wearing prematurely. Oil separator recall (2022) affects 2020-2022 models. Verify completed with VIN before purchase.
48V hybrid system fails to charge 12V battery properly · more· less
Common issue across Puma mild hybrid models. The 48V system sometimes fails to adequately charge the 12V starter battery, especially with short journeys or infrequent use. Battery can die within 7-10 days if car sits unused. Original Romanian Rombat batteries are particularly problematic - many owners report success after switching to Varta or Yuasa batteries. Some dealers won't authorize battery replacement claiming it's "normal behavior" and advise trickle charging regularly. Software updates have helped some 2024 models. A quality replacement battery costs €150-200, though some dealers have charged up to €600 for diagnosis and battery replacement.
Panoramic roof drain blockage/leaks€150 - €800
Drain tubes clog causing water ingress, typically after 25,000-35,000 km · more· less
The panoramic roof on 2020+ Pumas develops characteristic leaks when drain tubes become blocked with debris. Common symptoms include water stains on headlining, damp carpet after rain, or musty odors. The drain tubes exit through the A-pillars and can be cleared with compressed air or flexible wire (DIY cost €20-50). However, if seals are damaged or the mechanism has issues, professional repair runs €300-800. Prevention: check and clear drain tubes every 20,000-40,000 km. Avoid high-pressure washing near roof seals.
Front suspension bushes premature wear€200 - €450
Knocking noise from front when driving over bumps or turning · more· less
Front suspension bushes (anti-roll bar bushes, wishbone bushes, and top mounts) wear more quickly than expected on the Puma, especially the ST with its firmer suspension setup. Symptoms include knocking or clunking sounds over bumps, particularly when turning. Common culprits: anti-roll bar bushes (€10-15 each), drop links (€40-60 pair), top mounts (€80-120 pair). Labor is typically 1-2 hours per side. Many owners opt to replace multiple components simultaneously to avoid repeat labor charges. Some upgrade to polyurethane bushes for longer life, though these can increase harshness and noise.
Clutch premature wear (manual)€800 - €1,500
Clutch wears faster than expected, especially on enthusiastically driven STs · more· less
Some manual Puma ST owners report premature clutch wear, typically between 40,000-80,000 km. Given the ST's performance nature, many are driven enthusiastically which accelerates wear. Symptoms include slipping (engine revs increase without corresponding acceleration), difficulty changing gears, or unusual smells when pulling away. Clutch kit costs €400-600, labor adds €400-900 depending on garage. Some independent specialists offer better rates than dealers. Check for slipping during test drive - especially when accelerating hard in higher gears.
SYNC infotainment freezing/rebooting€0 - €1,200
SYNC 3 system freezes, black screen, or random reboots · more· less
The SYNC 3 infotainment system occasionally freezes, shows black screen, or reboots unexpectedly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can disconnect randomly. Most cases are resolved with a soft reset (hold power button + right arrow for 10 seconds) or software update from dealer (often free under warranty). Persistent issues may require master reset (factory reset) or in rare cases, hardware replacement (€800-1,200). Touchscreen responsiveness varies - some units are oversensitive, others sluggish. Most issues are software-related and fixable without cost.
Heater control valve failure€150 - €400
Heating stuck on hot or cold, valve brittle with age · more· less
The Puma shares the same problematic heater control valve (HCV) as the Fiesta. The plastic housing becomes brittle over time and the solenoid can stick, causing constant hot or cold air regardless of controls. Common issue after 3-5 years or at end of summer/winter when valve hasn't moved for months. Symptoms include inability to adjust temperature, or heating/cooling that won't turn off. Genuine Ford valve costs €30-50, labor is 45-60 minutes. Located on bulkhead in engine bay - relatively accessible. Avoid cheap aftermarket units which fail quickly. Genuine Ford part includes 12-month warranty.
Oil pump belt degradation€600 - €1,200
Oil pump driven by belt running in oil - can degrade and cause oil starvation · more· less
The 1.5 EcoBoost has a timing chain (not wet belt like the 1.0), but still uses a belt-driven oil pump that runs in oil. Ford's official replacement interval is 150,000 km/10 years, but many specialists recommend replacement at 100,000-120,000 km due to belt material degradation. The belt can shed particles that clog the oil strainer, potentially causing oil starvation and engine failure. Labor is intensive (requires sump removal). Replacement involves full belt kit, oil pump inspection, and fresh oil/filter. Some early engines may have gear-driven oil pump instead (check with VIN). Most Puma STs are too new to have reached this interval yet.
Parcel shelf rattle€0 - €100
Boot parcel shelf rattles or falls into cargo area · more· less
Common issue where the parcel shelf doesn't sit securely, causing rattles on rough roads or falling into the boot. The retaining strings slip off the mounting pins, or the hinge wears. DIY fixes include wrapping small O-rings or heat-shrink tubing around the nipples to keep strings in place, or adding foam tape to contact points. If hinges are broken, replacement shelf assembly costs €80-100. Other boot rattles can come from rear seat latches, spare wheel carrier, or strut top mounts - worth checking all these areas if noise persists.
Good overall, but hybrid battery drain is frustrating
The Puma ST is mechanically sound with a proven engine shared with the Fiesta ST. Most issues are minor annoyances rather than serious failures. The mild hybrid battery drain is the most common complaint and can be very frustrating for owners who don't use the car daily. Regular maintenance and addressing issues early prevents expensive repairs. Scored 90% in What Car? reliability survey - respectable for a modern performance crossover.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Ford dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 12,500 km or 12 months. Check if oil separator recall (2022) completed.
Tires
ST uses 225/40R19 - check tread depth (legal minimum 1.6mm, replace at 3mm), age (date codes on sidewall), uneven wear. Premium tires €250-320 each.
Cold start
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for rattles, rough idle, or unusual sounds in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paintwork inconsistencies. Examine wheel arches for scrapes (common on lowered ST).
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including varied speeds, rough roads, tight corners. ST's firm suspension should feel controlled, not crashy.
Specific for this vehicle
Battery voltage and hybrid system function
Check 12V battery voltage (should be 12.6V+ when car has been sitting). Ask seller when car was last driven - if starts perfectly after sitting 10+ days, battery is healthy. Test drive for 15+ minutes and verify mild hybrid system engages (look for "EV" indicator on dash during coasting).
Panoramic roof operation and drains
If equipped, open/close panoramic roof - should move smoothly. Check headlining for water stains, carpet for dampness, smell for mustiness. Pour small amount of water in drain channels (front corners of roof opening) - should drain freely without backing up.
Front suspension knock test
Drive over speed bumps slowly at an angle. Listen for knocking, clunking from front suspension. Rock car side-to-side when stationary - bushes should feel tight. Worn bushes are common but relatively cheap to fix.
Clutch condition (manual only)
Test bite point - should engage smoothly around mid-pedal travel. In 4th or 5th gear at low speed (2000 rpm), floor accelerator - revs shouldn't flare without corresponding acceleration. Slipping clutch needs immediate replacement.
SYNC infotainment test
Test all functions: touch response, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection, navigation, DAB radio. Watch for freezing, black screens, random reboots during 20+ minute test drive. Most issues are software-fixable.
Heating and cooling control
Test climate control through full range - should adjust from cold to hot smoothly. If stuck on hot or cold regardless of setting, heater control valve has failed (common, €150-400 to fix).
Brake condition check
ST has larger 325mm front discs. Check for scoring, thickness, rust. Brakes are expensive (€500+ for front discs and pads). Test for judder, pulling to one side, unusual noises.
Oil separator recall verification
Cars built June 2020 - May 2022 affected by oil separator recall (fire risk). Verify with Ford dealer using VIN that recall 22S21 has been completed. Critical safety issue.
eCall emergency system software (July 2019 - Feb 2021)Software update available
Contact Ford dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The oil separator recall (22S21) is most critical - affects fire risk. According to Regit, there are currently 6 safety recalls for the Puma - verify all have been addressed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty3 years / 60,000 miles
Paint warranty3 years
Corrosion warranty12 years
Ford Protect Gold extended warranty€200-500/year (varies by age)
2020-2021 Pumas are now outside factory warranty. Ford Protect Gold extended warranty available from €200/year (1 year) up to €350/year (3 years). Includes unlimited mileage, no excess, and covers repairs at any VAT-registered garage in Europe. Important: requires maintaining manufacturer service schedule. Consider extended warranty if buying higher-mileage example, especially with mild hybrid system issues being common.
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.