2019 Ford Focus 2.0L Diesel · KM19 CFA

This 2019 Ford Focus presents a worsening maintenance trend, culminating in a recent failure and rapid retest in December 2025. The vehicle failed its test on 10 December 2025 at 83,552 miles, requiring immediate mechanical intervention before passing just two days later at 83,572 miles. The previous two tests in December 2023 and April 2023 recorded zero defects, indicating that the current deterioration is a recent and sudden development rather than a long-term neglect pattern. Mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical UK averages for a seven-year-old vehicle, equating to roughly 11,939 miles annually. The odometer climbed from 56,839 miles in April 2023 to 83,572 miles by December 2025. This trajectory shows consistent, steady use rather than prolonged periods standing or extreme fleet-level mileage. The consistent annual test intervals confirm standard usage without any unexplained gaps in the DVSA record. The critical concern is the rapid escalation of steering and braking faults. The December 2024 test at 76,361 miles flagged slight play in both front track rod end ball joints and scored rear brake discs as advisories. By December 2025, this slight play had degraded into excessive play, causing an outright failure. The previous owner allowed these steering components to deteriorate severely over twelve months. The 2025 failure also exposed critically worn front inner and rear outer brake pads below 1.5 mm, alongside a heavily worn offside front tyre. Failing on multiple worn consumables simultaneously suggests basic upkeep was skipped as the vehicle approached this test. A buyer must physically inspect the front steering assembly and braking system before purchase. Verify that the track rod end ball joints were genuinely replaced following the December 2025 failure, rather than merely adjusted to pass the test. Examine the rear brake discs closely, as the scored surface noted in 2024 persisted into 2025 and likely requires replacement to ensure proper structural integrity and pad contact. Check the condition of the newly fitted offside front tyre and assess the remaining front brake discs, which were not explicitly flagged but likely suffered heat damage from the sub-1.5 mm pads.