2018 Ford Focus 2.0L Diesel · DG66 ACE

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-12-03 at 71,449 miles passed without any recorded defects, though it follows an unusual pattern of two consecutive tests—one failure and one pass—within a month. The November 2025 failure at 71,287 miles was notable for having no defects listed, which suggests either an administrative error or a minor oversight in the testing process. Beyond this anomaly, the trend from 2023 to 2024 shows consistent pass rates with no recurring faults, indicating the vehicle has not faced persistent mechanical issues. However, the abrupt failure in late 2023 at 51,637 miles—just two days before passing at 51,649 miles—raises questions about whether critical components were overlooked or if the vehicle was driven briefly between tests to meet mileage thresholds. The recorded mileage of 71,449 miles over eight years aligns with typical usage for this model, averaging around 8,931 miles annually. There are no significant gaps in service intervals that would suggest prolonged neglect, though the rapid accumulation of 1,162 miles between the November 2025 failure and pass—an unusually short period—could imply the vehicle was driven specifically to meet MOT requirements. The lack of defects in earlier tests suggests no major wear patterns, but the irregularity in the most recent cycle warrants closer scrutiny of components that might have been close to failure limits. Given the absence of recurring faults in the MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on suspension integrity, particularly rear suspension bushes and coil springs, as these are common wear items not always captured in MOT testing. The binding brake advisory in the November 2025 failure—though not repeated—demands verification of rear brake caliper operation and disc thickness, as repeated binding can indicate warped discs or seized components. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, should be examined, especially given the vehicle’s age. Finally, the exhaust system should be checked for leaks or excessive rust, as emissions-related failures are often the first signs of underlying drivetrain or catalytic converter concerns.