2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · CP65 LFN

A concerning mechanical pattern emerges from the MOT history of this 2016 Ford Fiesta, centred on the rear suspension and axle assembly. The most recent test on 20 December 2025 recorded a clean pass with a single advisory for nearside rear tyre wear on the edge, suggesting acceptable roadworthiness at that point. However, the underlying trend is less reassuring: in January 2024 the vehicle failed with a dangerous defect for excessive wear to the offside rear axle swivel pin and bush, a finding that indicates directional stability was actively compromised at the time of test. Advisories for the nearside rear swivel pin and bush were also issued alongside, and these components are the same assemblies that were flagged at the rear outer sub-frame bushes in December 2022 on both sides. While the car has passed its subsequent tests, the repeated identification of rear suspension wear items across multiple examinations points to a chassis that has been progressively developing play in its locating points, an issue that can deteriorate between annual tests. Against a ten-year vehicle age, the recorded mileage of 48,285 miles equates to roughly 4,800 miles per year, which is notably low for the model's typical usage profile. The mileage progression appears broadly consistent rather than erratic, with annual increases in the low thousands between recorded readings, and there are no obvious gaps suggesting prolonged off-road periods. Lower annual mileage reduces wear on high-consumption items such as the clutch, brake friction material, and drivetrain components, but it can also be associated with shorter journeys that allow moisture to accumulate in the braking system, exhaust, and underbody components. The underfloor and sub-frame areas have already shown the kind of bushing wear that is commonly accelerated by corrosion seizing the metal sleeves, so a physical inspection of these joints is particularly important regardless of the modest mileage. Given the dangerous rear axle defect flagged in January 2024, the priority on any inspection should be a thorough assessment of the rear suspension and axle geometry. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering at speed that could indicate renewed play in the swivel pins or bushes. With the vehicle unloaded, attempt to physically rock each rear wheel top to bottom and side to side to detect any looseness, bearing in mind that worn bushes can sometimes mask themselves under load. The rear sub-frame mounting points should also be examined for corrosion or cracking around the bushing housings, and the near and offside rear brake assemblies should be checked for any binding or uneven pad wear that might have contributed to or resulted from the suspension deterioration. The tyre wear patterns recorded at multiple tests warrant attention as well. Advisories for edge wear on both front and rear tyres appeared in 2022 and again on the nearside rear in 2025, which is consistent with either tracking irregularities caused by worn suspension bushes or simply infrequent rotation on a low-mileage vehicle. Inspect the sidewalls for cracking or perishing, as previously flagged on the nearside rear in 2022, and check that all four tyres are of matching type and age to avoid differential grip. The minor lamp and headlamp aim defects from the December 2022 failure are unlikely to be recurring concerns, but verifying that all exterior bulbs function correctly and that headlamp alignment sits within tolerance is worthwhile. Finally, with a vehicle of this age and known suspension wear, a raised inspection to examine for any oil misting from the rear axle seals, corrosion around the fuel and brake lines, and general underfloor integrity would be a sensible precaution before purchase.