2016 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · NE11 AKY

The 2012 Ford Fiesta’s most recent MOT, conducted just four months ago on 13 March 2026, confirms it remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. However, the immediate preceding test on 8 January 2026—conducted at nearly identical mileage (127,668)—resulted in a failure without explanation, a pattern that also repeated in November 2024. While the vehicle ultimately passed both occasions, the lack of recorded defects suggests either administrative oversights in the MOT system or that any issues were minor enough to pass inspection despite not being explicitly logged. The trend is stable in terms of passing status, though the unexplained failures warrant closer scrutiny of components that frequently cause MOT rejections without clear fault codes, such as minor brake binding, suspension wear, or exhaust leaks. The recorded mileage of 127,670 miles over 14 years equates to an average of approximately 9,119 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in service intervals, though the most recent MOT-to-MOT period spans just four months, which is unusually short given the vehicle’s age and mileage. The January 2026 failure, occurring just five months after the November 2024 test, suggests either a rushed inspection or a vehicle that may have been driven inconsistently prior to testing. The lack of mileage progression between the January and March 2026 tests (only two miles difference) further implies the vehicle was likely stationary or lightly used during that period, which could mask underlying wear. Given the repeated MOT failures without recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and pads, as binding brakes are a common cause of unexplained rejections. The suspension—especially the rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for excessive wear or corrosion, as these components often fail silently before causing MOT failures. Exhaust emissions should also be verified, as catalytic converter degradation or leaks can sometimes go unnoticed until a test. Finally, the structural integrity of the chassis and wheel arches should be examined for corrosion, particularly around the sills and wheel bearings, as this is a critical failure point for vehicles of this age. The absence of defects in passed tests does not preclude these issues, so thorough visual and functional checks are essential.