2019 Ford Ranger 3.2L Diesel · EW09 MAC

A clear pattern of front brake wear and a notable rear shock absorber failure define the recent mechanical history of this 2019 Ford Ranger, with the latest test on 28 October 2025 recording a pass alongside advisories on both front brake discs being pitted and scored. While the discs were not deemed seriously weakened at that examination, the bilateral nature of the wear suggests it is a progressive issue rather than an isolated event, and a buyer should anticipate disc refurbishment or replacement on the near side, with the off side likely to follow. The single major failure in the record, dated 4 October 2024 for an offside rear shock absorber with a serious fluid leak, is a more serious concern; hydraulic fluid loss indicates internal seal failure and a compromised damping unit, and although the vehicle subsequently passed on 9 October 2024, the test history does not confirm whether the shock was replaced or simply re-checked. The 2023 and 2022 tests were both passes with advisories for rear tyres worn close to the legal limit on both edges, hinting at a recurring geometry or loading issue affecting the rear axle that a prospective buyer should not dismiss. With seven tests recorded against 54,665 miles over roughly seven years of use, the Ranger has accumulated mileage at a rate of approximately 7,800 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would imply long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests is consistent with regular rather than seasonal or occasional use. For a vehicle of this type and mileage, the brake discs, friction materials, suspension bushes, and drivetrain components have all been subjected to steady working loads, and the recorded wear pattern on both ends of the vehicle is consistent with that usage profile. A targeted inspection should begin with a close visual check of both front brake discs for lipping, hot spots, or surface corrosion beyond the recorded pitting, as these discs have now been flagged on consecutive cycles and are likely approaching the minimum thickness. Feel through the brake pedal during a gentle stop from around 30 mph for any judder or vibration that would indicate disc runout, and listen for any graunching or scraping from the caliper area which could suggest worn pads contacting scored metal. The rear shock absorber that failed in 2024 warrants particular attention; a road test over uneven surfaces should be conducted at low speed with the windows down to listen for clonking, creaking, or a dull knocking from the offside rear corner, and a visual inspection underneath should look for fresh oil residue on the shock body or its mounting bush. Uneven settling of the vehicle at the rear when unladen would suggest the damping is no longer balanced, and any residual fluid staining on the spring seat or underbody trim should be noted. The recurring rear tyre wear advisories from 2022 and 2023, both noting wear on both edges across the rear axle, should also be followed up; on a test drive, the vehicle should be driven on a level road and released briefly to check for steering pull, and the rear wheels should be examined for feathered tread blocks that would indicate a persistent alignment issue or worn suspension bushes allowing camber changes under load. Given the vehicle's working-vehicle character, the rear leaf spring bushes, shock mounting eyes, and any underbody corrosion around the axle mounting points deserve a thorough check with a torch, as the record cannot speak to components outside the scope of the MOT test. Finally, confirm the current status of the offside rear shock absorber with the seller, and obtain documentation of any replacement or repair carried out after the October 2024 failure, as the test outcome alone does not establish whether the underlying defect was resolved or simply not re-detected within the test window.