Ford Kuga Recall R/2020/214: The Fuel Operated Heater Could Start Inadvertently, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 9 Sep 2020
- Launched
- 1
- vehicles in the UK
- 20S27
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Ford recalled Kuga vehicles built between 1 November 2019 and 8 June 2020. The Fuel Operated Heater could start inadvertently. The recall notice describes the fix as: new SYNC system software must be applied. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The Fuel Operated Heater could start inadvertently.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: THE FUEL OPERATED HEATER COULD START INADVERTENTLY Defect: The Fuel Operated Heater could start inadvertently Remedy: New SYNC system software must be applied.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: the fuel operated heater could start inadvertently.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: new SYNC system software must be applied. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Kuga built between 1 November 2019 and 8 June 2020 may be included. Ford estimates 1 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Ford, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Ford.
- Book with any franchised Ford dealer, quoting the campaign code 20S27 or the DVSA reference R/2020/214. See how to get a Ford recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuga, Mach-ETraffic sign recognition (TSR) unexpected activation / deactivation | Low | R/2026/366 | |
| KugaEDS wiring touch | Urgent | R/2026/355 | |
| Kuga, RangerPotential exhaust gas recirculation valve failure | Urgent | R/2026/160 | |
| Kuga, Mach-E, Transit, Transit Courier and 1 moreUnintended high beam behaviour: compliance | Book soon | R/2026/268 | |
| Focus, Kuga, Tourneo Connect, Transit Connect and 1 moreDiesel DV-Neo engine coolant pump update | Urgent | R/2026/237 |
This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/2020/224 on 4 Sep 2020, for the HV battery pack can overheat and result in the venting of hot gas. The one launched after it was R/2020/275 on 24 Sep 2020, for weld penertration on left lower control arm might not meet specification. You can also see every Ford recall, the Ford Kuga recall history and all recalls launched in 2020.
Source: DVSA recall R/2020/214, launched 9 September 2020. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.