2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · EB02 MPB

A pattern of chronic shock absorber oil misting across all four corners defines the mechanical character of this 2016 Ford Fiesta. The most recent test on 17 October 2025 was passed with no advisories recorded, suggesting the damping units are currently functional, but the underlying history is less reassuring. Advisories for shock absorber misting have appeared at every test since 2022, beginning with the nearside front unit in October 2022, progressing to the offside rear by October 2023, and then appearing on both front units together in October 2024. This sequential pattern is characteristic of age-related seal degradation rather than a one-off component failure, and it indicates that the damping system is approaching the end of its effective service life. A prospective buyer should treat the clean 2025 result as a temporary reprieve rather than a permanent fix, as the seals will continue to deteriorate. The recorded mileage of 61,947 miles over approximately ten years equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,195 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the testing history and no sudden mileage jumps between tests that would suggest clock irregularities or extended periods off the road. The relatively consistent and moderate usage pattern means the Fiesta has accumulated normal wear on its consumables without the accelerated component fatigue that often accompanies high-mileage urban driving. Mechanically, this average profile should translate to predictable wear on items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components, but the suspension has clearly been working through its service life at a steady rate, reinforcing the likelihood of further damping component replacement in the near future. The October 2024 advisories also flagged slight play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint, which is a notable steering component concern. Track rod end wear compromises steering precision and is a common MOT failure point when it progresses beyond the advisory threshold, so this item warrants close physical inspection. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps or rough surfaces, pay particular attention to any vagueness or looseness in the steering when changing direction, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which would confirm accelerated inner or outer edge wear consistent with a worn joint. The car should also be observed from behind while parked to check for any leaning or uneven stance, which would indicate a failed shock absorber rather than mere oil misting. Further targeted checks should focus on the braking system, given the vehicle's age, and on the rear lighting, which failed in October 2023 due to an inoperative nearside rear stop lamp. The stop lamp failure was rectified at the same test, but the buyer should personally verify all rear lighting functions, including brake lights, indicators, and reverse lamp, as electrical contact faults in rear lamp clusters are common on Fiesta models of this era. On the test drive, the brake pedal should feel firm with no sponginess or excessive travel, and any judder through the steering wheel under braking would indicate warped front discs. Given the cumulative suspension advisories, the car should also be driven over a variety of road surfaces to detect any excessive body roll, prolonged oscillation after undulations, or a harsh, unsettled ride, all of which would suggest that the shock absorbers have degraded beyond their advisory stage despite the clean most recent test.