2010 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · FD59 AWG

A pattern of recurring advisories for tyre wear on both front and rear axles, combined with two recent failures for insecure steering rack gaiters and lighting defects, defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2010 Ford Mondeo. Across four recorded test cycles since 2021, the nearside rear lamp issue has persisted, and the most recent assessment on 2024-03-04 returned a Pass only after a prior failure on 2024-02-22 was addressed, which had flagged a dangerous driver's seat insecurity alongside non-functional headlamp and washer issues. The 2023 cycle likewise required a retest before passing, this time due to a broken steering rack gaiter clip. Advisories for oil leak in 2021, subframe and underbody corrosion in 2024, and repeated tyre edge wear across all four wheels over successive tests suggest a vehicle accumulating component wear typical of its age and mileage, with particular attention required to steering, lighting, and structural integrity areas. Recorded mileage stands at 154,200 miles across sixteen years, equating to approximately 9,638 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with average usage for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the annual accumulation appears steady, meaning wear rates on consumables, suspension bushes, brake components, and drivetrain parts are likely commensurate with continuous service rather than the accelerated degradation that can follow long lay-ups followed by sudden reactivation. The mileage progression between tests does not indicate rapid escalation or anomalous jumps that would warrant particular concern in that respect. The repeated advisories for front and rear tyre wear on both inner and outer edges across multiple tests point to potential tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or tired top mounts and wishbone components, all of which are common failure points on a Mondeo of this age and mileage. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, and check for vague steering response or uneven tyre wear patterns on a physical inspection. The recorded advisory for subframe and underbody corrosion from 2024 warrants close examination of structural members, mounting points, and brake line routing for surface rust or perforation, as corrosion in these areas can compromise both safety and future test outcomes. On the road, any feeling of brake pedal sponginess, pulling to one side under heavy braking, or visible fluid leakage from under the wheel arches would warrant immediate further investigation. The steering rack gaiter failures in 2021 and 2023 indicate the inner tie rod or rack assembly may be exposed to contamination, raising the risk of premature wear to the steering rack itself. A test drive should include low-speed full-lock manoeuvres in both directions, listening for any grinding, whining, or clunking from the steering column, and checking for excessive play in the steering wheel before the front wheels respond. The persistent oil leak advisory from 2021 should prompt a thorough under-bonnet inspection for residue around the engine block, valve cover, or sump, and the underside should be checked for fresh drips or staining. Finally, given the dangerous seat insecurity failure in early 2024, physically test all seat runners and tilt mechanisms for solid engagement and absence of movement under body weight, as any recurring looseness in this area would itself constitute an immediate failure item on any subsequent MOT.