2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · HN65 AEE

The 2015 Ford Fiesta presents a mechanical profile dominated by recurring advisories rather than a smooth decay curve. Across seven recorded MOT tests spanning 2020 to 2024, the vehicle has alternated between passing and failing, with the 2023 and 2024 assessments each ending in failure while earlier years showed mixed results. Two distinct failure modes emerge prominently: engine management illumination (MIL) indicating a malfunction such as (8.2.1.2 h), and progressive tyre deterioration including offside rear damage and nearside front tread deficiency. The 2020 dangerous tyre warning followed closely by a subsequent failure underscores that tyre wear is not merely cosmetic but represents a genuine safety concern that persisted through later test cycles. While the 2022, 2021, and late-2024 tests achieved clearance, the pattern of intermittent failures suggests underlying systems are prone to intermittent breakdowns rather than steady degradation. Regarding mileage, the 89,334 recorded miles over an 11-year ownership period translates to approximately 8,121 miles per annum, which aligns reasonably with the vehicle's age and the stated usage context of moderate daily driving. The test history reveals an irregular pattern of intervals—most notably the 2024-10-08 failure immediately preceding the 2024-10-15 pass within a span of just seven days—which implies the car may have been stored or the testing schedule compressed unusually tightly during that window. Other gaps between assessments range from several months to nearly a full year, particularly between the 2023-09-29 dual-failure event and the next recorded pass in October 2024. When viewed alongside the tyre and engine issues, the mileage accumulation appears consistent with normal wear patterns, though the erratic testing cadence makes it difficult to correlate specific mileage milestones with individual failure events. For the prospective buyer, the engine management malfunction flagged in both 2023 and 2024 warrants particular attention during any test drive. Listen for hesitation, stalling, or rough idling when the MIL light illuminates, and verify that acceleration remains smooth across all gears, as an intermittent MIL often correlates with fuel injection or sensor irregularities that can cause momentary power loss. The front tyres require dedicated scrutiny: inspect the offside rear tyre for cracks or delamination along the sidewall and confirm the nearside front tyre maintains at least 1.6mm tread depth throughout the entire vehicle circumference, checking for any uneven wear patterns that would indicate alignment or camber issues. Additionally, examine the front exhaust flex joint for fresh leaks or corrosion around the gasket seals, as this component appeared compromised in the 2023 assessment and should remain free of fumes or audible hissing during operation. Beyond these primary areas, the 2020 dangerous tyre warning serves as a cautionary precedent that should not be dismissed even if current measurements appear adequate. A brief visual inspection of the front tyre tread before and after a short test drive will reveal whether the damage persists or has progressed, and any visible cracks or thinning requires immediate professional assessment. Given the pattern of repeated tyre failures despite reported repairs, consider having the tyres rotated and inspected at a reputable workshop to rule out underlying structural weaknesses in the wheel wells or subframe. If purchasing, negotiate for proof that the current condition reflects a complete resolution of the prior failures, and request documentation of any repairs performed to ensure they meet original specification standards. These concrete steps will help determine whether the mechanical risks identified in the MOT history translate into real-world reliability or represent isolated incidents that can be mitigated through proper maintenance.