2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · ET65 TFA

The 2016 Ford Fiesta presents a concerning mechanical narrative marked by recurring failures and a single recent critical failure that raises substantial safety concerns. The most recent MOT conducted on 2026-01-24 resulted in a failed classification, with the primary concern being a dangerously worn offside front track rod end ball joint that carries a serious risk of detachment. This failure follows earlier lapses in 2023-01-26 and 2026-01-24 itself, where the same vehicle had already suffered from nearside front suspension arm ball joint wear and compromised anti-roll bar linkage integrity. While the car achieved passing results in 2025 and throughout 2022-2023, the progression of failures over successive annual tests indicates a pattern of accumulating mechanical degradation rather than sustained reliability. The current status reflects a vehicle that has progressively deteriorated across multiple subsystems, with the most recent test revealing conditions that could compromise handling and braking safety. The recorded mileage of 112,795 miles on a ten-year-old Fiesta translates to approximately 11,280 miles per annum, which aligns with expected usage patterns for its age and does not inherently suggest abnormal wear. However, the timing of the most recent failed test in January 2026 comes after a clean pass in January 2025 and a period of minimal recorded testing activity, creating a gap where the vehicle's condition may have continued to decline without oversight. The spacing between the 2025 and 2026 MOT appointments—just three months apart—is notably compressed compared to other intervals, potentially masking the full extent of deterioration that occurred between those dates. When viewed alongside the prior 2023 failure involving similar suspension components and tyre wear, the mileage accumulation appears consistent with normal age-related depreciation, yet the concentration of failures within a short timeframe rather than a gradual build-up warrants caution regarding the vehicle's underlying structural integrity. Focused attention should be directed at the nearside front suspension arm assembly, specifically the ball joint which has shown excessive wear across multiple assessments. During a test drive, the driver should monitor for any clunking or knocking sounds when navigating bumps, particularly when approaching corners or traversing uneven pavement, as compromised suspension arm bushings often manifest as audible chatter through the steering wheel or chassis. The nearside front anti-roll bar linkage also requires inspection; excessive play in this component typically produces a noticeable wobble in the steering column during cornering motions. Most critically, the offside front track rod end ball joint bearing the dangerous rating demands immediate physical examination—listen for grinding noises when turning the wheel and assess whether the track rod moves freely without binding or lateral play. These areas should be inspected for visible cracks, corrosion, or excessive looseness that could indicate imminent failure. Before proceeding with any purchase, a thorough independent inspection of the track rod end ball joint is essential given its dangerous classification, followed by a detailed review of the nearside front suspension arm for complete disassembly and replacement of worn bushings. The front brake disc condition, while currently showing only pitting and scoring rather than severe deterioration, should still be examined for proper expansion and absence of deep grooves that could affect stopping performance. Given the history of tyre wear and the proximity of front tyres to legal limits documented in prior tests, a visual check for sidewall bulging, uneven tread wear, or embedded debris is advisable. Ultimately, the combination of a failed MOT result with a dangerous track rod issue coupled with persistent suspension component failures suggests that this Fiesta has not maintained adequate mechanical integrity throughout its ownership history and would require substantial work before it could be considered safe for regular road use.