2012 Ford Mondeo 1.6L Diesel · AF62 NBJ

Structural corrosion and recurring rear suspension wear define the mechanical history of this vehicle, despite a clean pass on 2025-10-23. The record shows a pattern of deterioration in the rear chassis area, with 2024 advisories specifically noting corrosion on the rear sub-frame and both the nearside and offside rear suspension arms. This follows a history of suspension component failure, including a major defect for a worn nearside rear trailing arm bush in 2022 and a similar advisory in 2021. With 163,707 miles recorded over 14 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 11,693 miles per year, which is typical for its age. This level of usage implies significant cumulative wear on the drivetrain, engine mounts, and suspension geometry. The consistent annual testing pattern suggests the vehicle has remained in active use, but the high mileage increases the likelihood of fatigue in rubber bushings and structural components. A physical inspection should prioritise the rear underside to assess the current state of the sub-frame and suspension arms. While the 2025 test was clean, corrosion is often progressive, and the previous flags for the rear sub-frame and suspension arms warrant a close look for scaling or pitting. During a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds from the rear of the vehicle when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which would indicate that the previously flagged trailing arm bushes or suspension linkages have deteriorated further. Attention should also be paid to the current condition of all tyres. The 2023 record shows a failure for dangerous defects where ply and cords were exposed on two offside tyres, and 2022 noted a tyre worn close to the legal limit. Ensure the current tyres have consistent tread depth and no sidewall cracking. Additionally, verify the security of the bonnet latch and the operation of all registration plate lamps, as these were specific points of failure in previous years.