2009 Ford Fusion 1.6L Petrol · FV09 MPY

A pattern of recurring tyre wear advisories on the front axle dominates the mechanical history of this 2009 Ford Fusion, with both nearside and offside front tyres flagged as worn close to the legal limit or worn on edge at the August 2026 test. Combined with a similar advisory on the offside front inner tyre from August 2025, this points to consistent uneven or accelerated wear at the front, which on a Fusion of this age is often linked to worn front suspension components, distorted or corroded front brake discs, or incorrect wheel alignment. The vehicle has passed both of its most recent tests, with the 2026 pass on 26 August 2026 demonstrating continued roadworthiness, but the tyre wear issue is clearly unresolved between MOTs. Minor electrical and wiper issues caused failures in the 2024 and 2025 cycles but were rectified promptly, and there are no structural corrosion advisories, drive shaft, or exhaust integrity flags recorded. With 68,790 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, this Fusion has averaged around 4,046 miles annually, which is well below typical usage for a car of this age. Such low annual mileage suggests either genuinely light use or extended periods of inactivity, both of which carry specific mechanical consequences. Prolonged standing can lead to dried and cracked suspension bushes, flattened suspension mounts, seized brake calipers, perished rubber coolant hoses, and a weakened 12V battery, while light running means the engine, clutch, and transmission may not have been fully warmed through often enough to drive off internal condensation and oil contamination. The 2025 advisory of a front coolant leak is consistent with this scenario, as perished hoses and weakened hose clips are common on low-mileage, older vehicles. The fact that the car has been tested annually without any recorded mileage gaps suggests it has remained taxed and on the road, although the very low mileage accumulation between tests confirms the light-use profile. Given the recurring front tyre wear pattern, a prospective buyer should carry out a careful test drive focusing on the suspension and braking system. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn front strut top mounts, drop links, or anti-roll bar bushes. Check for steering pull to either side under braking or steady cruising, and feel for vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal, both of which can point to distorted or worn front brake discs exacerbated by the tyre wear history. Inspect the front discs and pads directly for lipping, scoring, or uneven surface corrosion, as a Fusion of this age is unlikely to retain its original brake components and any substandard replacement parts will directly accelerate inner and outer tyre wear. The coolant leak advisory from 2025 and the general low-mileage, older-car profile make it important to check the condition of all coolant hoses, the radiator, and the water pump area for staining, white residue, or dampness, even though the system has not been flagged at the 2026 test. During a cold start, observe whether the engine management light remains illuminated and listen for any timing chain rattle or rough idle, as a lightly used engine can develop oil seal leaks and stretched timing components from infrequent oil circulation. Verify that the offside rear stop lamp is functioning correctly, as this was a previous failure item, and inspect the windscreen wiper blades for effective clearing across the full swept area. Finally, examine the offside rear tyre closely for any sidewall cracking or perishing that may not have been visible at the time of the last test, and confirm all four tyres are of matching make, type, and tread depth to rule out the fitment of a single mismatched tyre causing uneven wear across the axle.