2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · DN09 ACX

The most recent MOT on 2026-04-08 recorded a passed result with one notable issue: the rear sub-frame showed corrosion but was not seriously weakened. This aligns with a long-standing pattern of corrosion affecting structural and suspension components, which has been consistently reported since 2022. The 2025 MOT highlighted multiple corrosion-related defects, including both front and rear coil springs, the rear anti-roll bar, and the sub-frame, alongside an oil leak and steering rack play. These issues have persisted or reoccurred in subsequent tests, indicating a recurring vulnerability to rust and wear. The vehicle’s mileage of 96,590 miles over 17 years equates to roughly 5,682 miles per year, which is lower than average for its age. This suggests either light usage or extended periods of inactivity, both of which can accelerate corrosion in untreated environments. While lower mileage might imply less mechanical wear on components like brakes or tires, the consistent corrosion findings indicate that environmental factors—such as exposure to moisture or road salt—may have significantly impacted the car’s structural integrity. The trend in defects shows no clear improvement, with corrosion and minor mechanical issues reappearing in similar locations across multiple MOTs. The 2025 test noted the most extensive list of issues, but subsequent tests have not introduced new critical faults, suggesting the condition remains stable rather than deteriorating. However, the repeated corrosion of load-bearing components like coil springs and sub-frames raises concerns about long-term reliability and potential hidden structural weakness.