2003 Ford Fusion 1.4L Diesel · CK53 AXW

This Ford Fusion’s most recent MOT test on 2022-01-21 passed without defects, but the preceding two tests in December 2021 and January 2022 both failed—despite identical mileage readings. The lack of recorded defects in any of these tests is unusual, as failures typically stem from visible issues like suspension wear, brake binding, or structural corrosion. The absence of advisories or partial passes suggests either a test centre error or that critical components were replaced or repaired between tests without official documentation. The trend is ambiguous: the vehicle passed once after two failures, but the rapid succession of tests raises questions about whether underlying problems were addressed or if the vehicle was simply retested after minor adjustments. The recorded mileage of 115,605 miles over nearly 23 years equates to an average of just 5,026 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or very light use, which could mitigate some wear but also indicates potential neglect in fluid changes, corrosion prevention, or regular servicing. The three MOT tests occurred within a month in early 2022, with minimal mileage progression (just 43 miles between failures), implying the vehicle was likely stationary or driven sporadically during that period. Without pre-MOT servicing records, it’s impossible to confirm whether critical components like timing belts, fuel injectors, or suspension bushes were serviced at appropriate intervals. Given the lack of documented defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear items that often fail without warning. The suspension—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these components degrade silently over time. Brake calipers and discs, while not flagged in the MOT, may exhibit uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle was driven sporadically, leading to moisture-related corrosion. Structural integrity is another concern; the underbody, wheel arches, and sills should be scrutinised for rust penetration, particularly around the rear axle and suspension mounts, where hidden corrosion can compromise safety. The engine bay should also be inspected for oil leaks, coolant deterioration, or timing chain wear, as these issues often escalate without visible symptoms. The absence of advisories in the MOT record does not guarantee these areas are sound—only that they were not severe enough to fail inspection at the time of testing.