Ford Kuga Recall R/2023/341: Steering Gear Top Plug Potentially Loose, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 19 Feb 2024
- Launched
- 5,154
- vehicles in the UK
- 23S57
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Ford recalled Kuga vehicles built between 14 January 2021 and 16 September 2021. The steering gear could potentially develop excessive movement. The dealer will replace affected components. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The steering gear could potentially develop excessive movement. Over time a wear condition may manifest in an audible noise increased steering efforts and the steering wheel not returning to the centre position. In rare circumstances if the issue of noise increased steering efforts and the steering wheel not returning to the centre position are not addressed the excessive movement in the steering gear may lead to the pinion shaft becoming disconnected from the steering rack.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: 23S57 Kuga - Steering gear top plug potentially loose Defect: The steering gear could potentially develop excessive movement. Over time a wear condition may manifest in an audible noise increased steering efforts and the steering wheel not returning to the centre position. In rare circumstances if the issue of noise increased steering efforts and the steering wheel not returning to the centre position are not addressed the excessive movement in the steering gear may lead to the pinion shaft becoming disconnected from the steering rack. Remedy: Replace affected components.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to the pinion shaft becoming disconnected from the steering rack.
The Fix
The dealer will replace affected components.
Are You Affected?
Kuga built between 14 January 2021 and 16 September 2021 may be included. Ford estimates 5,154 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 23S57 or the DVSA reference R/2023/341. 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/2024/042 on 18 Feb 2024, for front wiper motor linkage inspection. The one launched after it was R/2024/047 on 22 Feb 2024, for software update for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) incomplete. You can also see every Ford recall, the Ford Kuga recall history, all recalls launched in 2024 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2023/341, launched 19 February 2024. 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.