2021 Ford Ecosport Active 1.0L Petrol · J21 KMK

The 2021 Ford Focus ST Active’s latest MOT test on 2026-04-30 resulted in a clean pass, marking a significant improvement from its previous failure in June 2025, where it recorded major defects related to the parking brake system—specifically, the near-side parking brake being inoperative on one side and the efficiency of the parking brake falling below legal standards. While the 2024 and 2025 MOTs prior to the 2025 failure were also clean, the presence of advisories in 2024—particularly regarding tyre wear and damage—suggests a period of either under-maintenance or inconsistent servicing before the vehicle’s condition stabilised. The fact that the parking brake issues were resolved by the time of the 2026 MOT indicates proactive or corrective action was taken, though the buyer should remain vigilant for recurring parking brake-related symptoms, such as the near-side rear service brake binding, which may indicate worn or degraded brake components or misaligned calipers. The recorded mileage of 27,087 miles for a vehicle aged five years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,417 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. Such low mileage can stem from infrequent use, long periods of stationary storage, or deliberate underuse, but it also raises concerns about potential long-term wear from static conditions. Components such as the parking brake, brake discs, and calipers may suffer from corrosion or binding due to prolonged inactivity, particularly if the vehicle has been left exposed to the elements. Additionally, fluids like the brake fluid and transmission fluid can degrade over time when not circulated, leading to reduced effectiveness or system failure. The suspension and tyres, while not showing significant wear in the MOT history, should still be inspected for signs of perishing or structural compromise, especially given the advisories from 2024 regarding tyre damage and edge wear. Given the vehicle’s age, mileage, and the advisories from previous MOTs, the buyer should conduct a thorough inspection focusing on the brake system, suspension, and tyre condition. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as grinding from the parking brake when engaged, or clunking from the suspension, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or binding calipers. Inspect the brake discs for corrosion, pitting, or uneven wear, and check for any binding or excessive play in the brake actuators. The tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing, cracks, or uneven tread wear, with particular attention to the near-side front tyres, which were flagged for damage or wear in 2024. Additionally, verify that the parking brake is fully functional when engaged and that the service brake operates smoothly without shuddering or pulling to one side. Given the low mileage, the buyer should also check the battery for signs of corrosion or poor connections, as standing vehicles can accelerate battery drain. Fluid levels, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, should be topped up if low, and a professional service should be recommended to flush and replace fluids that may have degraded over time. Finally, ensure that the service history is complete, particularly for the brake system and suspension, as these areas have shown potential issues in the past.