2016 Ford Ecosport 1.0L Petrol · HJ66 WHK

A chronic pattern of advisories around the front suspension, gearbox mounting and braking components defines this EcoSport's roadworthiness record, with multiple defects recurring across several annual tests rather than resolving. The most recent test on 26 February 2026 was a pass with advisories relating to a cracked offside rear lamp lens and a corroded rear exhaust silencer blowing slightly, but a separate failure was logged the same day for a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, recorded as a dangerous defect. Earlier failures and advisories show a familiar theme: the nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover was flagged as severely deteriorated in both 2023 and 2022, front brake discs were noted as worn in 2023 and 2022, front brake pads were reported wearing thin in 2023 and 2021, and the nearside front lower gearbox mounting was called out as defective in 2023 and 2021. A Major failure on 20 October 2021 was recorded for insufficient brake lever reserve travel, which is a notable safety concern even though the vehicle subsequently passed a retest. The cumulative picture is one of components being flagged, addressed partially, and then reappearing at later tests. Annual mileage of roughly 9,322 miles over ten years is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, and the testing history shows annual MOTs back to 2021 with no extended gaps in recorded mileage progression. This level of use means the brakes, suspension bushes, tyres and exhaust system are experiencing normal wear rates rather than accelerated degradation from very high mileage. However, the consistent recurrence of advisories on the same suspension and mounting components across consecutive tests suggests that repairs have either been short-term fixes or that the underlying wear is progressing steadily. The exhaust system has now been flagged in three consecutive tests (2024, 2025 and 2026), which is a typical trajectory for a 2016 vehicle reaching the age where rear silencer replacement becomes routine. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension and gearbox mounting on inspection, as these have been the most frequently recurring advisory items. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn ball joints or perished bushes beyond the dust cover deterioration already recorded. Check that the engine and gearbox settle into a smooth idle without excessive vibration, as a deteriorated lower gearbox mounting can transmit vibration through the chassis and into the cabin. The 2021 brake failure for insufficient lever reserve travel warrants careful attention: on test, pump the brake pedal several times with the engine running to confirm a firm pedal with good height, and check for any sponginess or excessive travel that could indicate rear brake adjustment issues or hydraulic problems. The brake components warrant their own checks given the repeated advisories on disc wear and pad thinness. With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, turn the steering lock to lock and listen for any binding or scraping noises from the front wheels, which could indicate the brake caliper or offside rear service brake binding noted in 2023. On the road, test the brakes firmly from around 30 mph and feel for any judder through the pedal or steering wheel, which would confirm the disc wear previously advised. Inspect the rear silencer and exhaust visibly for active blowing or rust perforations, as the advisories on corrosion and slight blow have now been carried forward across three tests. Finally, confirm the tyre pressure monitoring system is functioning correctly, as the 2026 failure for this item is a straightforward but mandatory rectification that should be verified before purchase.