2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FL11 TLK

The most recent MOT (21 May 2026) shows a mixed result – the car passed the overall test but also recorded a failure for several safety‑related items. The failures include the off‑side rear direction indicator being the wrong colour, persistent front indicator discoloration, frayed rear‑seat‑belt webbing on both sides, play in the steering rack inner joint, a noisy near‑side front wheel bearing, severely deteriorated ball‑joint dust cover, damaged MacPherson strut mounting, corroded off‑side front coil spring, slight wear in the steering‑column universal joint, and a cracked near‑side upper windscreen. These are the same or very similar faults that appeared in the 2025 and 2024 tests, showing a clear build‑up of issues. The recurring pattern centres on the front steering and suspension assembly – rack play, wheel bearing noise, ball‑joint and strut mounting wear, and coil‑spring corrosion – together with ageing seat‑belt webbing and lighting faults. Over the three‑year span the list of defects has grown, indicating a worsening trend rather than a stabilising one. Mileage is very low for a 15‑year‑old Fiesta – roughly 5,500 mi yr⁻¹. Light use can mean less wear on consumables, but it also suggests the car may have spent long periods idle, which can accelerate corrosion (as seen on the coil spring) and allow rubber components to deteriorate. The mileage signal is therefore ambiguous: the engine and drivetrain are unlikely to be heavily worn, but the suspension and steering parts show age‑related decline. For a buyer, the first checks should be: Inspect the steering feel – look for play or clunking when turning and test for smooth rack operation. Listen for wheel‑bearing noise at the front wheels, especially when the car is stationary.