2022 Ford Puma ST 1.5L Petrol · AV71 UBC

The defining mechanical narrative of this 2022 Ford Puma ST centres on a developing rear brake disc wear issue that has now escalated into a failure. At the most recent test on 25 November 2025 the vehicle passed, but a closer inspection of the preceding days reveals a more concerning picture: on 21 November 2025, just four days earlier, the car failed its MOT on a major defect concerning the nearside rear seat belt webbing being significantly stretched, a serious safety-related item which would have warranted immediate remedial work before the re-test pass. The recurring advisory across all three recorded tests, relating to the offside rear outer brake disc being worn, pitted, or scored, indicates that this corrosion or surface degradation has been present since the January 2025 examination and has not been addressed, suggesting the discs may now be approaching the minimum thickness threshold. The combination of a stretched seat belt and persistent brake disc pitting on a relatively low-mileage performance-oriented vehicle points to either limited attention to mechanical wear items or extended standing periods allowing surface corrosion to take hold on the braking components. With 33,958 miles recorded over approximately four years of age, this Puma has accumulated around 8,490 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a modern supermini-class crossover. There are no anomalous gaps in the testing history and no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that would suggest motorway commuting or fleet-style use. The mileage trajectory is consistent with mixed urban and suburban driving, where the brake disc pitting likely originated from light, low-speed use that does not generate sufficient heat to keep the disc surfaces clean of corrosion. Given the Puma ST's performance positioning, one might expect slightly higher annual mileage from an enthusiastic owner, so the current figure suggests a more sedate usage pattern which, while not necessarily a concern, can accelerate surface corrosion on braking components and underbody components due to shorter operating temperatures. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection area should be the rear braking system, specifically the condition of both rear discs and pads. Given the advisory has appeared at consecutive tests without rectification, a physical inspection should measure the remaining disc thickness against the manufacturer's minimum specification, typically stamped on the disc edge or available via Ford's technical data. Listen on a test drive for any rear brake judder, vibration through the pedal under light pedal pressure, or pulsing that could indicate disc runout resulting from uneven corrosion wear. The handbrake mechanism should also be evaluated, as rear disc pitting on Puma ST models can correlate with seized rear caliper slider pins or handbrake cable binding, so confirm the vehicle holds on an incline without rolling and that the handbrake requires a normal number of clicks to engage fully. Beyond the braking components, the seat belt failure warrants direct verification. Confirm with the seller that the nearside rear seat belt assembly has been replaced with a genuine Ford unit, and physically test the retraction by pulling the belt out fully and allowing it to spool back, ensuring it retracts smoothly without hesitation, sagging, or visible fraying along the webbing. On the test drive, pay attention to any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, as the Puma ST's sport-tuned dampers and rear torsion beam can develop bush wear, particularly given the standing time implied by the brake disc corrosion. Additionally, inspect the underside of the vehicle for any underbody corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points and brake pipe routing, as surface corrosion on the rear brake disc often correlates with general underbody oxidation in vehicles that have seen frequent short journeys or prolonged periods of inactivity. Finally, request evidence of recent brake fluid and coolant changes, as a 2022 model should have had at least one brake fluid replacement by now given its age.