2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · FL64 FAM

A pattern of recurring suspension and underbody wear advisories, alongside two recorded failures in the last four testing cycles, defines the mechanical picture of this 2014 Ford Fiesta. The most recent test on 10 November 2025 produced both a pass and a failure recorded on the same date, which is a common arrangement when a vehicle is presented, fails, and is then re-presented after rectification. The failure items are notable: a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system and an illuminated supplementary restraint system warning lamp, both of which point towards electronic or sensor faults within the safety systems rather than purely mechanical deterioration. The advisory entries on the same date record a severely deteriorated offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover, plus slight wear on both rear axle swivel pins and bushes, continuing a theme that has run through the record since at least 2021. Previous failures in November 2022 for excessive exhaust emissions and both headlamps aimed too low further demonstrate that the vehicle has not had an unblemished run, and any prospective buyer should weigh these recurring electronic and lighting-related issues carefully. The 2024 test also noted pitted front brake discs and worn rear subframe axle bushes, and the 2021 test flagged damaged rear upper coil spring mountings and exhaust corrosion, indicating an underbody and chassis that has been gradually accumulating wear points. At 68,816 recorded miles across approximately twelve years, this Fiesta has accumulated an average of around 5,735 miles per year, which is low for the vehicle's age and typical for its class. The annual MOT dates show continuous testing from 2020 through 2025 with no extended gaps, suggesting the car has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. The mileage progression between recorded tests, combined with the low annual rate, suggests a usage profile weighted towards shorter journeys rather than sustained motorway driving, which on a Fiesta commonly correlates with greater stress on the cooling system, more frequent cold-engine operation, and a higher likelihood of underbody corrosion from short trips in winter conditions. The observed wear pattern is broadly consistent with this, with advisories tending to involve suspension bushes, subframe mountings, brake discs, and exhaust components rather than major drivetrain items. The offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover deterioration flagged in the 2025 test is a component that should be examined carefully, as once the boot splits, water and grit ingress into the ball joint accelerates wear and can eventually produce knocking over uneven surfaces or vague steering feedback. On a test drive, listen for clonking or creaking from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and check for uneven tyre wear on the front pair which could indicate a worn joint. The rear axle swivel pin and bush wear advisories, recorded on both sides, should prompt a check for any rear-end instability or wandering behaviour at speed, and a physical inspection beneath the rear of the vehicle to assess whether the bushes have progressed beyond slight wear since the test. The 2024 advisories concerning pitted and scored front brake discs warrant attention for brake pedal feel, specifically any judder or vibration under firm pedal pressure, which would suggest the discs have corroded further. The exhaust emissions failure in 2022 and the corrosion advisory in 2021 mean the exhaust system should be physically inspected for signs of rust, particularly at joints, mounting brackets, and the heat shield, as corroded exhausts can develop blow noises or rattles that worsen from cold starts. The headlamp aim failure from 2022, affecting both sides, suggests that the headlamp levelling mechanism or adjustment may require checking to ensure correct beam pattern, particularly if the vehicle has been loaded or has had any front-end suspension work. The tyre pressure monitoring system fault and airbag warning lamp failure recorded in November 2025 are best investigated through a diagnostic scan to retrieve stored fault codes, as TPMS issues can stem from a single failed sensor while the airbag warning could indicate a seatbelt pretensioner, crash sensor, or wiring fault which would require professional rectification. The general condition of the underbody, given the recurring subframe bush and exhaust corrosion advisories over multiple years, should be visually assessed for any progression towards structural concern, and a borescope inspection of the rear coil spring mounting areas is advisable to verify that the deterioration noted in 2021 has not advanced.