2013 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · FE63 GZP

A clear pattern of rear suspension deterioration has emerged on this 2013 Ford Focus at high recorded mileage, with the November 2025 test pass only achieved after the same vehicle had failed earlier that day on the identical inspection. The failures cited both trailing arm bushes as excessively worn, while the resulting pass carried advisories for corrosion on both rear suspension arms, the rear subframe, the rear anti-roll bar, and an offside rear coil spring. Earlier MOT history had been broadly clean, with no recorded defects in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, so this represents a relatively recent and concentrated cluster of rear axle wear rather than a long-standing mechanical narrative. A separate failure in November 2022 covered unrelated items: a non-functioning horn, a missing washer jet supply, a sidelamp bulb, an incorrectly seated headlamp bulb, and an exhaust emissions exceedance, all of which appear to have been rectified given the subsequent clean passes in 2023 and 2024. Mileage accumulation of 152,071 miles over roughly thirteen years works out at around 11,700 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical annual usage for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record across the years presented, and mileage progression appears steady rather than displaying any dramatic spikes or long stationary periods that would suggest extended lay-up or unusual use. At this accumulated mileage, consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components have generally reached or exceeded their expected service life, which is consistent with the rear suspension wear now being flagged on test. The vehicle has remained in active service throughout, which means wear-related deterioration on underbody and suspension parts is to be expected, particularly on a Focus whose rear beam and trailing arms are known to suffer corrosion and bush wear in older examples. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing area for physical inspection is the rear suspension. With both trailing arm bushes recorded as excessively worn and the rear subframe and anti-roll bar carrying corrosion advisories, the underside of the vehicle warrants close scrutiny on a ramp or over a pit. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or instability in the rear end during directional changes. The offside rear coil spring corrosion advisory also suggests checking for any uneven ride stance or signs of spring fatigue. On a test drive, pay particular attention to rear wheel response over broken tarmac and any tendency for the back end to step out under load, as worn trailing arm bushes can allow unwanted rear axle movement under acceleration or braking. Beyond the rear axle, it is worth verifying that the emissions issue from 2022 has been comprehensively addressed, ideally through any documentation of catalyst or lambda sensor replacement, and confirming that no dashboard warning lights relating to engine management or catalyst efficiency are currently illuminated. The 2020 advisories for both front tyres being worn on their inner edges point to a possible tracking or suspension geometry irregularity at the front, so on a test drive check for steering pull to either side and uneven steering wheel return. Front brake disc condition should also be examined closely given the mileage, looking for lipping, scoring, or corrosion around the disc edges. Given that the rear suspension components have now reached a point of formal MOT failure, budgeting for replacement trailing arms, bushes, and potentially a refurbished rear beam or subframe treatment is advisable, and any negotiation should reflect the cost of bringing the underbody back to a sound condition.