Used Ford Puma

What to know before buying: Ford Puma

From 4 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owners of the 1998–2002 Puma praise its handling, steering and precise gearbox, describing it as especially enjoyable to drive.[1][5]
• The older Puma has adequate room for two up front but a cramped rear seat; owners find the boot practical, especially with the rear seat folded.[1][5]
• The Puma reintroduced in 2019 is described as a compact crossover with a roomy cabin, dynamic handling, efficient petrol and mild-hybrid engines, and modern safety technology.[3]one source

Typical faults

• Owners of 2021 and 2023 Pumas report a tyre-pressure warning returning after pressure checks, tyre replacement or a reset; a sensor fault is suspected.[6]one source
• One newer-Puma owner reported a locked brake pedal and no-start condition, erratic alarm operation, and seat-belt and airbag warnings; the workshop could not identify the cause.[2]one source
• A 1999 Puma with the 1.4 Zetec 16V smoked heavily when pulling away after idling hot; the forum advised a cylinder leak-down test rather than immediately blaming valve-stem seals.[5]one source

  1999–1999 · 1.4 Zetec 16V

• Forum reports for the older Puma include overheating and poor cabin heat, with a blocked radiator, failed heater valve and inoperative cooling fan cited as possible causes.[3][4]

Which engine and version to take

• For the older Puma, the 1.7 VCT is the best-supported enthusiast choice: owners praise its performance, handling and gearbox; one car needed only brakes and dampers over 35,000 km.[5]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a newer Puma, check the TPMS: set the correct pressures, reset the system and confirm the warning stays off; a recurring alert may indicate a sensor problem.[6]one source
• Before buying a newer Puma, test starting, brake-pedal operation, the alarm, and airbag and seat-belt indicators; do not dismiss intermittent electronic faults.[2]one source
• Check an older Puma's exhaust both cold and fully warm. On the 1.4 Zetec 16V, smoke after hot idling warrants a professional cylinder leak-down test.[5]one source
• Bring an older Puma to operating temperature, watch the gauge, and test cabin heat and the cooling fan; forum reports mention radiator and heater-valve faults.[3][4]
• During an older-Puma test drive, check the clutch, brakes and dampers: owners report replacing these parts, including one clutch at 105,000 km.[1][5]

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]cbc.rs — Ford Puma · forum
2. [2]autopost.bg — Ford puma - AutoPost - Автомобилният форум · press
3. [3]problemcar.nl — Ford Puma Forum · forum
4. [4]problemcar.nl — Ford Puma Forum · forum
5. [5]forum.index.hu — https://forum.index.hu/Article/showArticle?la=1696... · forum
6. [6]startmycar.com — Ford Puma problems and issues · press

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