2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · GC15 VXT

A recurring theme of rear axle bush deterioration and exhaust flexi leakage defines the mechanical history of this 2015 Ford Fiesta, with both items surfacing as advisories across three consecutive tests from 2023 through 2025. The rear axle bush advisory has appeared annually since 2023, suggesting a progressive wear pattern on the trailing arm or anti-roll bar mountings that will likely require replacement within the next year or two. The exhaust flexi advisory followed a similar trajectory, recorded in 2023, 2024, and 2025, indicating that the flexible joint downstream of the catalytic converter has been gradually deteriorating rather than being addressed. The most recent test on 2026-07-07 returned a clean pass with no advisories, which breaks the pattern slightly and may indicate that the exhaust flexi was repaired in the intervening period, though the rear axle bushes remain unaddressed based on the visible record. While the latest outcome is favourable, the chronic nature of these two advisories across multiple years points to a vehicle with ongoing wear in its underbody and emissions systems that a buyer should not dismiss. Annual mileage on this Fiesta works out to roughly 6,168 miles, which sits squarely within typical parameters for an eleven-year-old vehicle of this class. Testing history shows consistent annual MOT visits from 2021 through 2026 with no significant gaps, confirming continuous road use rather than extended periods of standing. The mileage progression between tests is steady and shows no dramatic spikes, which means wear has been distributed evenly across components rather than concentrated from high-mileage motorway use. This kind of regular but moderate usage pattern is generally kinder to suspension bushes and brake components than stop-start urban driving, though the recurring rear axle advisories still suggest that even modest use is taking its toll on the rubber components at the rear. The relatively even mileage also makes it easier to predict when timing belt replacement will become critical, with the manufacturer guidance flagged at the 2025 test indicating the ten-year interval falls due. The two recorded failures both involved safety-critical components and warrant close attention during any physical inspection. The 2021 failure cited a fractured offside rear coil spring, classified as a Major defect, which means a section of the spring had broken away rather than merely weakened. A fractured coil spring on a Fiesta typically produces audible knocking or clonking over bumps, particularly at low speed over uneven surfaces, and can also cause the vehicle to sit noticeably lower on one side at the rear. Although a new spring should have been fitted at the time of failure, the surrounding suspension components including strut mounts, shock absorbers, and adjacent bushes will have absorbed additional stress, so listen carefully for any remaining clonking or uneven ride quality. The 2022 failure recorded front brake pads at less than 1.5mm thickness on both sides, classified as Dangerous, alongside a brake disc advisory. After pad replacement, attention should turn to the discs themselves, which were flagged as pitted or scored. On a test drive, pedal judder under firm braking, a spongy or low pedal, or any pulling to one side would suggest the discs may now also require machining or replacement, particularly given that the same pitted disc advisory reappeared in 2023. Several other advisories from the record deserve targeted checks before purchase. The nearside front inner tyre was flagged as worn close to the legal limit on its inner edge in 2021, which on a Fiesta is a classic symptom of incorrect tracking or worn suspension components allowing the wheel to lean inward. Uneven inner-edge wear recurring across tyre changes, or steering pull to one side, would indicate the tracking geometry or front suspension components need further investigation. The rear tyre advisories from 2022 and 2023, including perishing and low tread, also suggest that the rear axle condition flagged in subsequent tests may be contributing to accelerated rear tyre wear. The 2022 stop lamp failure is less concerning mechanically, as it was likely a straightforward bulb replacement, but checking that all rear lighting including the high-level third brake lamp is fully operational remains sensible. On a road test, listen for any exhaust ticking or whistling that would confirm the flexi section is again deteriorating, and feel for vagueness or knocking through the rear suspension over speed humps and potholes to gauge whether the axle bushes have finally progressed beyond the advisory stage. A thorough inspection on a ramp would be advisable to physically check the rear axle bushes, exhaust flexi, and front brake disc condition before committing to purchase.