2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · CE66 RVM

The most recent MOT test on the 2016 Ford Focus occurred on 2025-12-04, resulting in a clean pass with no defects recorded. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues that suggest a need for closer inspection and proactive maintenance. Prior to this, the car failed in December 2024 with major faults including a non-functional parking brake system, engine warning light, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) malfunction, and misaligned headlamps, alongside a missing rear wheel fixing and a severely damaged offside rear tyre. The 2022 MOT also highlighted critical brake wear—front brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick—indicating significant braking system degradation. While the 2023 and 2025 tests were clean, these failures point to underlying wear and potential neglect in critical systems, particularly the braking, suspension, and electrical components. The recorded mileage of 133,068 miles for a ten-year-old vehicle represents an unusually high annual usage rate of approximately 13,307 miles per year, which is far above the average for its age. Such high mileage accelerates wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components, as well as fluid degradation in the braking, cooling, and lubrication systems. The rapid accumulation of miles suggests either heavy daily use or prolonged periods of inactivity followed by intense driving, both of which can exacerbate wear patterns. For example, standing for extended periods can lead to brake disc corrosion or binding calipers, while frequent acceleration and braking under load will cause uneven tyre wear and premature brake pad failure. Additionally, high-mileage vehicles are more prone to internal component fatigue, such as in the steering rack, drivetrain, and exhaust system, where minor issues can escalate into major failures if ignored. Given the vehicle’s history of MOT failures and high mileage, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase. Focus first on the braking system, as the 2022 MOT failure highlighted front brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick, and the 2024 failure indicated a non-functional parking brake. Inspect the brake discs for warping, scoring, or corrosion, and check for binding calipers that may require adjustment or replacement. Listen for unusual grinding or squeaking noises during a test drive, which could signal worn pads or damaged discs. The steering system should be checked for excessive play or clunking noises, particularly in the steering rack inner joints, as advisories in 2024 and 2023 suggest potential wear or damage to suspension bushes or coil springs. Verify that all lights—brake, indicator, and headlamps—are functioning correctly, and ensure the headlamp aim is properly aligned, as misalignment was a recurring issue. The tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can weaken the tyre structure over time, even if they meet the legal tread depth. Given the high mileage, check for uneven wear patterns, which may indicate misalignment, suspension issues, or incorrect tyre pressures. The vehicle’s electrical system should be inspected for signs of corrosion or damage, especially around the TPMS sensors and wiring harnesses, as these were problematic in previous MOTs. Fluid levels, including brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, should be checked for degradation or contamination, with a recommendation to replace fluids that have exceeded their service life. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive noise, as high-mileage vehicles are more susceptible to catalytic converter or muffler failure. If the vehicle has been stored for long periods, check for standing corrosion on the undercarriage, particularly around the wheel arches and brake components, as this can compromise structural integrity and performance.