2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · EY65 DFN

A pattern of recurring lighting faults and recurring tyre wear advisories defines the DVSA record for this 2015 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 13 October 2025 passing clean but offering only limited reassurance given the history. Across five recorded MOT tests there have been two failures, both centred on stop lamps and once also involving registration plate lighting and headlamp aim, alongside persistent advisory items flagging tyre wear and a rear subframe bush. The lighting failures are particularly notable because the offside rear stop lamp defect has appeared in both 2021 and 2023, suggesting a chronic electrical or connector issue rather than a one-off bulb failure, while the 2024 failure added a headlamp aim fault that could point to a damaged reflector, a misaligned unit after minor impact, or simply a prior adjustment having been knocked out of position. The advisory items carry their own weight: the rear subframe pin or bush has now been flagged across the two most recent tests in 2024, indicating a wear trend that warrants monitoring rather than dismissal, and an oil leak, though not deemed excessive at the 2024 test, was recorded and should be tracked. Mileage stands at 76,906 against an age of roughly eleven years, giving an annual accumulation of about 6,991 miles per year, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of this vintage and class. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent and there are no extended gaps in testing that would suggest long periods off the road with associated risks of brake seizure, corrosion stagnation, or dried drivetrain seals. At this rate of use the wear items recorded in the MOT record are exactly what one would expect to begin surfacing on a Fiesta of this age, particularly given that consumables such as tyres, brake components, and suspension linkages tend to deteriorate progressively rather than catastrophically. The lack of any sudden mileage jumps between tests also reduces the likelihood of heavy commercial or motorway towing use having accelerated wear on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, or engine bearings. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the rear subframe bush advisory flagged in both 2024 tests is the most structurally significant item to verify, as continued deterioration can lead to excessive movement and ultimately subframe misalignment affecting rear wheel geometry. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear under load over speed humps or uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the rear axle during lane changes. The persistent offside rear stop lamp fault should be confirmed by a physical walk-around check at the time of viewing, as intermittent lighting issues can be deceptive; also verify both headlamps throw an even, level beam pattern against a wall at roughly ten metres, with no obvious scatter or droop on the offside unit. Tyre condition on all four corners warrants close scrutiny, since inner-edge wear on the offside front has been flagged in three consecutive tests from 2022 to 2024, which can indicate either suspension geometry drift, incorrect camber following strut or top-mount wear, or simply a habit of under-inflation; check the sidewalls for cracking and the tread shoulders for feathering, and confirm matching brands and tread depths across the axle. The oil leak advisory noted in October 2024, while not classed as excessive, is a useful prompt for a physical under-bonnet inspection. Look for fresh staining or damp residue around the rocker cover gasket, the sump plug, and the timing cover area, and check the dipstick for any chocolate-coloured emulsion that could indicate coolant mixing. Given the brake hose advisory in 2022, it is worth having the flexible hoses at all four corners manually inspected for perishing or swelling, as these components typically require replacement every six to ten years regardless of mileage. Finally, confirm the rear brake drum or caliper handbrake mechanism operates firmly without excessive travel, as Fiestas of this generation are known for handbrake cable and rear shoe adjustment issues that may not surface in a standard MOT check but are readily detectable on a hill-start test.