2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · BP11 VPV

This 2011 Ford Fiesta has just passed its most recent MOT on 2026-04-15 at 92,918 miles, but the same critical issues that caused a failure just days earlier remain unresolved. The two most serious, recurring concerns are severely deteriorated dust covers on both front lower suspension arm ball joints—flagged repeatedly since at least April 2025. While not yet a failure for excessive play or looseness, the missing protection greatly accelerates wear and risks premature joint failure, especially given the mileage. Tyre condition has deteriorated significantly over the past year. In April 2025, fronts were merely worn close to the legal limit; by April 2026, both front tyres had exposed cords—a clear failure risk—and all four tyres now show cracking or perishing. This suggests either prolonged underuse (causing dry rot) or exposure to harsh conditions, and urgent replacement is likely needed. The 2026-04-15 failure included a major exhaust leak at the backbox, a non-functioning dipped beam on the nearside headlamp, and an out-of-spec lambda reading—indicating potential catalytic converter or sensor issues. None of these were mentioned in the April 2025 or earlier tests, so they appear to be new developments. The emissions test failure in April 2025 (due to overheating) also hints at underlying engine or cooling system stress. Mileage of 92,918 over ~15 years averages ~6,200 miles/year—within typical range—but the pattern of intermittent MOT failures and rapid tyre degradation suggests inconsistent use: possibly long periods of inactivity followed by higher-mileage driving, which can accelerate rubber and brake component deterioration.