2017 Ford Ecosport 1.5L Diesel · CV67 PDY

A pattern of isolated but mechanically distinct defects has emerged over successive MOT cycles, with the most recent test on 24 March 2026 demonstrating that rectification of the issues identified earlier in the day resulted in a clean pass. The underlying story is one of components failing or wearing at the margins rather than systemic deterioration. The most significant failure in the recent history was the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint recorded with excessive wear on the same date, a defect directly affecting suspension stability and body control. Earlier in 2024, the vehicle failed on a brake lever with insufficient reserve travel, a near-side rear stop lamp failure, and a rear direction indicator showing incorrect colour, while the same test also flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit on their edges. An advisory for a minor exhaust gas leak at the rear was recorded at the 2025 test, and although it did not constitute a failure, it warrants attention given the vehicle's age and mileage. Annual mileage accumulation stands at approximately 8,158 miles per year across the nine-year lifespan, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The recorded testing pattern shows no extended gaps between annual examinations, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout the period covered by the records, with no periods of dormancy or off-road status that might have masked developing corrosion or deteriorated rubber. With 73,424 miles accumulated, the mechanical wear profile should reflect steady, moderate use: suspension components, brake consumables, and tyres will have experienced normal service intervals, and the drivetrain should not show signs of either severe high-mileage fatigue or low-mileage neglect such as dried seals or seized mechanisms from standing unused. For a prospective buyer, the anti-roll bar linkage failure should be the primary focus of any pre-purchase inspection. The repair itself is a relatively straightforward replacement, but the condition of the corresponding nearside linkage ball joint, the drop links, and the broader front suspension including the wishbones, bushes, and coil springs should be examined for similar wear, as these components typically degrade at comparable rates. On a test drive, listen for clonking noises from the front suspension over speed humps or uneven surfaces, particularly during direction reversal, and feel for imprecise body roll or vagueness in cornering response that would suggest further deterioration beyond what was recorded. The brake pedal should be assessed for adequate reserve travel, with any sponginess, low bite point, or unusual height raise concerns given the 2024 reserve travel failure, and the rear light assemblies should be verified for full functionality and correct amber indicator colour. Finally, the earlier advisory regarding a minor rear exhaust leak should prompt a physical inspection of the rear section, joints, and mounting rubbers for signs of corrosion or active seepage, as exhaust leaks left unaddressed tend to progress and may eventually cause a future test failure.