2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FD14 YCB

A persistent pattern of rear suspension arm bush wear is the defining mechanical theme of this FItesta's MOT history. From the 2024 test onwards, the nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes have been flagged on every single inspection, and on the most recent pass dated 12 June 2026 these advisories were re-recorded with the more specific axle reference. While none of these entries have yet been judged severe enough to constitute a failure, the fact that the same pair of components has been noted for three consecutive years points to progressive deterioration rather than a one-off observation. The vehicle also recorded one failure in June 2023 for a stop lamp issue that was apparently rectified the same day to allow a pass, and a second failure in June 2025 which was followed by a clean pass on the identical date, suggesting items were addressed in the workshop between tests. The 2025 failure carried forward the same rear suspension advisories plus front brake pad wear and front tyre edge wear, while the 2026 pass shows that brakes and tyres were renewed in the interim but the suspension components have not been replaced. Recorded mileage stands at 62,687 miles across roughly twelve years, equating to an annual accumulation of around 5,200 miles, which is low for a 2014 Fiesta. MOT testing has occurred consistently each year from 2021 through 2026 with no extended gaps in the record, indicating the car has remained in regular use and on the road rather than laid up for prolonged periods. Low annual mileage of this nature tends to reduce wear on high-speed drivetrain components such as the clutch and engine internals, but it can accelerate degradation of rubber and plastic items that perish with age regardless of use, including suspension bushes, tyres, brake seals, and flexible brake hoses. The steady year-on-year testing pattern combined with limited mileage suggests the advisories observed are likely age-related polymer and rubber deterioration rather than overuse, though this is of limited comfort because such wear tends to advance rapidly once initiated. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear axle area, as the recurring bush advisories have now spanned three tests. On a road inspection, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven tarmac, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the rear end responding to steering inputs. With the vehicle jacked and the rear wheel checked for play, worn bushes typically present as vertical or lateral movement at the arm pin that exceeds a few millimetres. Because the advisories reference both sides, budgeting for a matched pair of rear suspension arm bushes, or complete arms with pressed-in bushes, should be factored into any purchase decision. The 2025 entry also noted front brake pads wearing thin, so check for any remaining pedal travel or pulsing under braking, listen for binding calipers when the car is rolled in neutral, and inspect the front discs for lip formation and scoring. The stop lamp failure from 2023 warrants a quick functional check of all rear lighting, including the high-mounted third brake light, ensuring correct operation both with the headlights switched on and off, as the original defect related to interaction between lamps rather than a simple bulb failure. Front tyres have been flagged for edge wear on two consecutive inspections, which on a FItesta often points to incorrect tracking, worn front strut top mounts, or deteriorated front suspension components; therefore, check for uneven shoulder wear across the full tread width and confirm the steering centres correctly with no pulling to either side under light acceleration or braking. Inspect the nearside rear tyre closely for any cracking, perishing, or sidewall damage, as the 2025 advisory noted deterioration that may now have progressed. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough underside inspection for corrosion on subframes, brake pipes, and the exhaust system would be prudent, even though no such advisories have yet appeared in the MOT record.