2016 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · FH65 SVT

A pattern of chronic advisories centred on the rear axle swivel pins, bushes, coil springs and steering rack has emerged across multiple MOT cycles and ultimately culminated in two failures at the 2024 test where the rear axle swivel pins and bushes were deemed excessively worn on both sides. Two passes have followed, in 2025 and 2026, but the advisories have not subsided; in fact, the 2026 test recorded steering rack free play, universal joint wear, inner track rod joint play and outer track rod end play on both sides, alongside a noisy nearside front wheel bearing. Earlier in 2024, the nearside front headlamp aim was also outside limits, and the front wipers had failed to clear the screen, indicating that both lighting and trim components had lapsed. With four advisories on the latest pass, none of the wear items previously flagged have been resolved on the recorded test record. At 198,061 miles over approximately ten years, this Fiesta has averaged close to 19,800 miles annually, which is a notably high annual accumulation for a supermini of this vintage and points to sustained motorway or commuter use. Such mileage typically accelerates wear on suspension consumables, brake friction surfaces, wheel bearings, steering components and exhaust back boxes, all of which are reflected in the test history. The first recorded test is from 2021 at roughly 99,000 miles implied, suggesting either a previous period off the road or that earlier history was not captured. Mileage has since effectively doubled on the DVSA record across five further tests in rapid annual succession, which aligns with the relentless advisories on coil springs, brake discs and bushes that one would expect from a vehicle covering those distances. For a prospective buyer, the rear axle and suspension package should be treated as the primary mechanical concern. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes were flagged as slightly worn in 2022 and 2023, then escalated to major failure in early 2024, which is a typical progression on a high-mileage Fiesta where the trailing arm bushes lose compliance. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over bumps and on acceleration, feel for vagueness or instability at the rear axle over undulating surfaces, and check for uneven rear tyre wear which often accompanies worn trailing arm bushes. The rear coil springs were noted as corroded in both 2024 and 2025; corroded springs can fracture without warning, so inspect for any height difference between sides and listen for metallic rattles from the rear when traversing speed humps. The steering and braking assemblies warrant equal scrutiny given the cluster of advisories logged at the most recent test. With play recorded at the steering rack, universal joint, inner track rod joints and outer track rod ends simultaneously, there is clearly accumulated wear throughout the steering linkage, and a buyer should expect renewed components to be required imminently; on test, expect to detect slight slack or a delayed response at the straight-ahead position and listen for clonks when turning lock to lock at low speed over uneven ground. The nearside front wheel bearing was noted as slightly noisy, which typically manifests as a drone that changes with speed or a humming that alters on left-hand bends; this should be confirmed by road test before purchase. Front brake discs have been flagged as pitted or scored since 2023, and combined with the worn front tyres noted in 2024, a buyer should budget for fresh discs, pads and tyres, and should test for brake judder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm pedal pressure. Finally, given the structural corrosion advisories on both rear chassis legs in 2025, an underbody inspection is essential to verify that surface corrosion has not progressed to perforation, particularly around the rear jacking points and suspension mounting areas.