2018 Ford Ranger 3.2L Diesel · T21 BCY

The 2018 Ford Ranger’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-29 passed without defects, but the record reveals an unusual pattern of back-to-back failures in September 2025 and 2024—each followed by a passing test just three days later. While the absence of recorded defects in the passing tests suggests no catastrophic failures, the repeated failures without explanation are concerning. The most recent test was conducted just 11 months ago, which is within the acceptable window for a vehicle of this age and mileage, though the irregularity in test dates—particularly the rapid succession of failures—implies either a rushed or inconsistent approach to pre-test maintenance. No advisories or recurring issues were documented, but the lack of transparency in the failures raises questions about whether minor faults were overlooked or deliberately bypassed. The vehicle’s mileage of 103,489 miles over eight years equates to approximately 12,936 miles annually, which is significantly higher than the UK average for a vehicle of this age. The most rapid accumulation appears between 2024-11-15 (failure) and 2024-11-22 (pass), where 7,000 miles were logged in just over a year—an unusually high rate for a used vehicle. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (around 12 months) is typical, but the clustering of tests in late 2024 and 2025 suggests either seasonal use patterns or potential deferral of maintenance. Without a full service history, it’s impossible to confirm whether this mileage was driven under normal conditions or if the vehicle was pushed beyond its expected lifespan. Given the lack of documented defects, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of high-wear components that often fail without obvious warning. The repeated failures, despite no recorded issues, warrant scrutiny of suspension integrity—particularly rear suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers, as these are common causes of sudden MOT failures. Binding brakes, worn brake discs, or corroded caliper pins could also explain the failures, so the condition of rear brake hardware should be checked for uneven wear or seized components. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, is another critical area given the vehicle’s age and mileage, as undetected rust can compromise structural integrity. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for leaks or excessive corrosion, as emissions-related failures are often the first to appear in high-mileage vehicles.