2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · EY09 KFN

An emerging front suspension and steering concern defines the mechanical story of this 2009 Ford Fiesta, supported by the 2026-07-10 test outcome which passed only after the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover had already been recorded as a Major failure earlier the same day. This component-level defect indicates the ball joint boot has perished, permitting dirt and moisture ingress into the joint itself and accelerating wear of the internal bearing surfaces. Combined with the recurring advisories across 2024 and 2025 for play in the steering rack inner joint, the records show a progressive deterioration at the front axle that any prospective buyer must take seriously. The 2024-07-12 test also recorded a Major for a fractured nearside rear coil spring and a Major for parking brake efficiency below requirements, both of which carry direct consequences for ride quality, handling stability, and safe hill parking. Despite the 2022 and 2023 tests recording no defects, the pattern across the last three annual examinations is one of escalating mechanical issues rather than a stable roadworthiness trajectory. Mileage accumulation on this Fiesta stands at 101,257 miles across roughly seventeen years, equating to an annual average of approximately 5,956 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This lower-than-typical usage suggests extended periods of standing or only short-distance running interspersed with active driving phases. Mechanically, such a usage profile tends to expose the vehicle to accelerated corrosion of underbody components, drying and cracking of rubber boots, bushes, and seals, and increased likelihood of fluid leaks such as the offside front oil leak flagged on the 2026 test. The MOT history itself shows consistent annual testing with no multi-year lay-up gaps, meaning the mileage figures are reasonably representative of actual use rather than reflective of long-term storage, although the low annual rate still warrants attention to age-related degradation of consumables and rubber components that suffer more from inactivity than from mileage alone. Given the documented suspension and steering concerns, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front axle geometry and feel of the vehicle on a test drive. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or potholes, which would indicate that the perished ball joint dust cover recorded on the 2026 test has progressed to actual joint wear. Pay particular attention to any knocking or rattling through the steering column when turning lock to lock, as this could indicate that the previously advised steering rack inner joint play has worsened beyond acceptable tolerance. With the fractured nearside rear coil spring having been recorded in 2024, check whether it has been correctly replaced and inspect the opposite rear spring for similar fatigue cracking, as coil springs commonly fail in pairs. A thorough inspection of the rear ride height is also worthwhile, as a sagging corner could indicate a weakened or collapsed spring that has not yet fractured completely. The offside front oil leak advisory noted on the 2026 test, though classed as not excessive, should be examined for its origin given the age of the engine, with particular attention paid to the valve cover gasket, sump gasket, and front crankshaft seal, as oil contamination on the lower engine and transmission can accelerate wear of adjacent rubber boots and electrical connections. The parking brake efficiency Major recorded in 2024 demands verification that the rear brake caliper mechanisms, handbrake cables, and drum or disc adjusters have been correctly serviced, since a parking brake that fails MOT testing can indicate seized rear caliper pistons or stretched cables on a low-mileage vehicle of this age. Finally, request a physical demonstration that all stop lamps illuminate correctly, as the 2023 test recorded a stop lamp failure that was repaired as a PRF, and confirm the front and rear registration plates are not faded beyond legibility. With the visible pattern of front suspension, steering, and brake-related advisories and failures, this Fiesta warrants a pre-purchase inspection by a competent garage with the vehicle raised on a ramp before any commitment is made.