2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · L5 PRG

A clear pattern of rear suspension corrosion and wear has emerged on this 2014 Ford Fiesta across the last three MOT tests, pointing to a vehicle that is beginning to show its age beneath the axle line. The most recent test on 22 April 2026 recorded advisories on both rear suspension arm bushes and both rear coil springs, with the spring corrosion advisories actually dating back to the 2025 examination. A dangerous rear tyre failure was also flagged on 24 April 2024, recorded as a ply or cord defect with a large flap in the tread, and the same inspection raised near-side front brake pad and disc wear that has subsequently reappeared. Six passed tests are recorded since 2020, but the rear-end advisories have built up consistently and the brake component wear noted in 2024 and 2025 suggests consumable items are now approaching the end of their useful life. The overall trend is one of gradually accumulating advisories rather than improving condition, with the rear axle area being the most chronic concern. Against a twelve-year registration, the recorded mileage of 33,491 miles equates to roughly 2,791 miles per year, which is well below average and consistent with light private use or extended periods of standing. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record, with annual examinations consistently carried out from 2020 onwards, so there is no evidence of a long-term off-road lay-up that would raise concerns about dormant component failure. However, low annual mileage on a Fiesta of this age still places meaningful demand on age-sensitive items such as rubber suspension bushes, coil spring surfaces, brake discs and tyre sidewalls, and the rear-end deterioration visible in the MOT record is a direct reflection of that ageing process rather than high-mileage wear. For any prospective buyer, the rear suspension is the priority area to evaluate physically. The trailing arm axle bushes flagged in both 2024 and 2026 should be inspected with the vehicle raised if possible, checking for splitting, perishing or movement beyond manufacturer tolerance when levered with a bar. The corroded rear coil springs should be examined for any flaking that has progressed into pitting of the metal itself, and the vehicle should be bounced at each rear corner to listen for a clonking or hollow knock that would indicate the spring or its seats have deteriorated further since the advisory was issued. The rear registration plate deterioration noted at every test since 2022 is cosmetic, but a replacement is worth budgeting for to avoid future advisories. On the test drive, attention should focus on the braking system given the repeated front disc and pad advisories. With the vehicle warm, apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph and feel for pedal vibration, judder through the steering wheel or any pulsing that would confirm the pitted front discs noted in 2024 and 2025 have worn beyond safe limits. Listen for any binding or scraping from the front calipers that would suggest a seized slider after periods of light use. The steering should also be checked for pulling to one side over broken road surfaces, and the rear should be observed for any wandering or instability that could indicate the worn trailing arm bushes have developed excessive play since the last advisory. Finally, a thorough inspection of all four tyre sidewalls and inner shoulders is essential given the dangerous rear tyre failure recorded in 2024, as cord damage on low-mileage tyres often points to age-related sidewall degradation or kerb impact rather than simple wear.