2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · FN66 YPM

The defining mechanical story for this 2016 Ford Focus centres on a single but serious brake-related failure that stands out against an otherwise largely unremarkable MOT record. The most recent test on 18 November 2025 was a clean pass with no advisories, and the previous test on 15 November 2024 was similarly clear, suggesting that the front braking system has since been fully addressed. However, the 2023 test history reveals a significant lapse in roadworthiness: a Dangerous failure on the same November 2023 date for both nearside and offside front brake pads being below 1.5 mm, the threshold at which a vehicle is deemed too unsafe to drive away. That same inspection also flagged a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, alongside child seats obscuring the rear belt checks. It is worth noting that a pass was also recorded on 15 November 2023, which is unusual and indicates the vehicle was repaired and re-tested the same day. Underneath the cleaner recent results, the 2022 test exposed multiple front-end wear advisories covering lower suspension arm pins or bushes, thinning nearside front brake pads, and pitting or scoring on both front brake discs, all of which point to a front axle that was already showing signs of accumulated wear. With 133,048 miles on the clock over roughly ten years, this Focus averages around 13,300 miles per year, which sits at the higher end of typical private use. The annual MOT entries from 2019 through 2025 show mileage accumulating consistently with no significant gaps in testing, which suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods. High annual mileage of this nature tends to accelerate wear on suspension components, brake discs and pads, tyres, and clutch or transmission items, so the 2022 advisories on the front brake discs and lower arm bushes are consistent with a car that has covered substantial distance. The absence of any mileage-related advisories on subsequent passes suggests the major consumables have been renewed, though the higher baseline usage means buyers should remain alert to components that may now be approaching replacement intervals again. Given the front brake failure and the 2022 advisories, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the front discs, calipers, and pads during any physical inspection. Look for lipping on the outer edges of the front discs, uneven pad wear which can indicate a binding caliper, and any pulling to one side under deceleration, as the 2022 record flagged scoring and pitting on both front discs which, if not replaced at the time, could now be approaching minimum thickness again. On the test drive, listen for a grinding or scraping noise from the front wheels on light braking, feel for vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal which would suggest disc runout or distortion, and check for the brake pedal travelling further than expected which can indicate worn pads or a caliper issue. The suspension history should also be prioritised. The 2022 advisory on the nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush, described as worn but not resulting in excessive movement, is a classic Focus issue and tends to progress. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, rough surfaces, and during full-lock steering manoeuvres, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel. Tyres should be examined closely for uneven shoulder wear, particularly on the nearside front, mirroring the 2023 advisory for edge wear, and note that 2023 also recorded nearside rear edge wear back in 2019, which suggests alignment or suspension geometry may be a recurring concern. Finally, although the rear brake line and subframe corrosion failures sometimes seen on high-mileage Foci are not recorded here, a thorough underside inspection remains advisable given the annual mileage, with particular focus on the rear axle, exhaust hangers, and any emerging surface corrosion on structural components.