2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · GF12 FEX

A pattern of progressive suspension and steering wear dominates the recorded roadworthiness of this 2012 Ford Fiesta, with the test history showing an escalating pattern of advisories culminating in major mechanical defects at recent tests. The most recent examination on 2 December 2025 was a pass, but it included an advisory for play in the nearside steering rack inner joint, which is a component that typically deteriorates further once slack develops and can manifest as a vague or wandering feeling through the steering wheel. The 2024 pass carried forward advisories for oil misting on both rear shock absorbers alongside the same nearside headlamp intensity concern noted in 2025, and the December 2023 test recorded a dangerous failure for an offside front tyre with exposed ply or cords and a major failure for excessive wear in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. A 2024 major failure for an exhaust lambda reading outside specified limits, accompanied by an advisory for a rear silencer gas leak, points to an exhaust and emissions system that was already compromised. The earlier 2022 advisory for both rear coil springs corroded, combined with the 2023 advisory confirming corrosion on the offside rear coil spring, indicates structural suspension components that have been degrading over multiple test cycles. Recorded mileage stands at 111,869 miles across fourteen years, yielding an annual accumulation of roughly 7,991 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. Testing has occurred consistently on a near-annual basis from 2021 through 2025, with no multi-year lay-up gaps that would raise concerns about dormant component degradation. The relatively even cadence of annual tests suggests regular use rather than extended periods of standing, which is consistent with the wear patterns observed on tyres, brake discs, suspension joints, and steering components. A prospective buyer should treat the steering rack inner joint advisory as a priority inspection item, listening for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces and checking for any excess free play in the steering wheel before the wheels begin to turn. The rear shock absorber oil misting recorded in both 2023 and 2024 warrants a physical inspection underneath the vehicle for fresh oil residue and a road test evaluation of the rear suspension for poor damping, excessive bouncing after a compression, or a generally unsettled ride over undulating surfaces. The corroded rear coil springs should be visually examined for cracks, flaking, or any sign of structural failure, and the exhaust system warrants a listen at idle and under load for any blowing sounds consistent with the previously noted rear silencer leak, alongside a check of the lambda sensor and catalytic converter area for corrosion damage. The 2023 dangerous tyre failure and the 2024 advisory for a nearside front tyre bald on the inner edge indicate a clear pattern of inner shoulder wear that suggests tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry, so a four-wheel alignment check and a careful inspection of the front suspension arms, bushes, and ball joints is strongly advised. The offside front service brake binding advisory from 2021, together with pitted and scored front brake discs noted in 2022, points to the front braking system requiring close attention; the buyer should feel for any judder through the pedal or steering wheel under braking, listen for any grinding or scraping, and confirm that the caliper slides are functioning freely without the offside wheel dragging. Finally, the persistent offside headlamp intensity advisory across three consecutive tests warrants verification that the lens is not heavily oxidised or that the bulb and reflector are delivering adequate beam pattern and brightness for night driving.