2017 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · DF17 SWW

The most recent MOT test results for the 2017 Ford Fiesta show it passed on 2025-11-22, following a failure in the same period due to functional issues with the near-side stop lamp and washer fluid supply. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring mechanical and tyre-related defects over the past four years, indicating a need for closer inspection rather than a stable maintenance trend. The most critical failures—particularly the excessive wear in the rear suspension axle bushes and front anti-roll bar ball joints—were classified as major defects, suggesting that these components have been progressively deteriorating. While the vehicle has passed subsequent MOTs without these specific issues, the presence of multiple prior failures of similar nature implies underlying wear progression that could escalate without intervention. The dangerous tyre failures in 2022 and 2023 further highlight a concerning trend, as the front and rear tyres were repeatedly found to be below the legal minimum tread depth, which poses a significant safety risk and should not be overlooked. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 57,043 miles at the time of assessment represents a relatively moderate annual usage rate of around 6,338 miles per year, which is typical for a car of this age and class. This usage profile suggests that the vehicle has not been subjected to extreme wear from high-mileage driving, but it also means that the suspension and tyre systems have accumulated wear over roughly nine years of service. The absence of significant mileage gaps—particularly given the car’s age—implies that it has likely been in regular use, which could have contributed to the observed wear in the suspension components and tyre degradation. However, the fact that the vehicle has accumulated this mileage without more pronounced drivetrain or engine issues suggests that the wear observed in the suspension and tyres may be the most pressing concerns at this stage. Given the history of major suspension defects and dangerous tyre failures, prospective buyers should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle’s suspension system. Focus on the rear suspension arms, particularly the axle bushes and ball joints, which have been repeatedly identified as worn. Listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the rear during cornering or over bumps, and check for excessive play or binding in the suspension linkages. The front anti-roll bar ball joints should also be inspected for signs of wear, such as excessive movement or a grinding sensation when the wheel is turned. Additionally, the tyre condition must be verified beyond the MOT records; visually inspect the tread depth on all four tyres, checking for uneven wear patterns that could indicate misalignment or suspension issues. The front tyres, in particular, should be examined for signs of dry rot or sidewall cracking, as the previous MOT advisories suggest they have been worn close to the legal limit. A test drive should include assessing brake performance, listening for any shuddering or pulsation that could indicate warped discs or binding calipers, and checking for fluid leaks around the suspension components and undercarriage. For practical checks beyond the MOT history, buyers should verify the vehicle’s overall structural integrity, especially if it has been stationary for prolonged periods, as standing corrosion can develop on components like the brake discs, calipers, and suspension mounts. Inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion or binding, particularly on the near-side components where previous MOT failures were noted. The 12-volt battery should be tested for charge capacity and overall health, as older vehicles of this age may experience reduced performance or failure if the battery is weak. Fluid levels should be checked, with particular attention to the brake fluid, which can degrade over time even without use, and the coolant, which should be replaced according to Ford’s recommended service interval—typically every 2 years or 60,000 miles for this model. Lastly, the service book should be reviewed for any recorded maintenance, especially for suspension component replacements or tyre rotations, to confirm that the vehicle has been properly maintained in line with manufacturer guidelines. If the service history is incomplete, buyers should consider scheduling a professional inspection to address the known wear issues before proceeding with purchase.