2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LD60 TTO

A recurring front suspension and steering concern defines the mechanical picture of this 2010 Ford Fiesta, with the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint reaching a Major failure category on two consecutive attempts in August 2026 following an earlier Major at the 2025 test. The same defect effectively prevented a clean pass on both 28 August 2025 and 27 August 2026, and a retest on 27 August 2026 only achieved a Pass once rectified, indicating the joint had worn to an excessive level requiring replacement. Alongside this persistent suspension finding, advisories have flagged nearside track rod end play and inner steering rack joint play, suggesting the front steering and linkage assembly is approaching end-of-service life. The pattern points to a chassis and steering cluster rather than isolated incidents, and the recurrence of the same Major item across back-to-back tests implies the underlying wear is progressive and likely to reappear once replacement components themselves begin to age. Recorded mileage of 47,843 against a 16-year age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 2,990 miles, which is well below typical usage for a Fiesta of this era and suggests either extended periods of low activity or genuine light use. There are no significant gaps between the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests, indicating the car has been presented regularly and has not been laid up for prolonged stretches, which reduces the likelihood of dry-joint corrosion, seized calipers, or perished fuel lines from standing. However, low annual mileage of this nature often correlates with short journeys and infrequent oil and filter changes, meaning engine oil and coolant condition can degrade silently; combined with the visible age-related tyre cracking recorded in 2024, it suggests the vehicle has aged more through time than through distance. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection items are the front suspension and steering assembly, which the MOT history has consistently highlighted. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly under braking or when turning, as this is consistent with a worn lower arm ball joint. Check for steering wander, vagueness through the centre position, or a noticeable knock when turning the wheel on full lock while stationary, any of which would suggest the rack inner joints or track rod end flagged in the advisories have deteriorated further since the 2026 test. Examine the front coil springs closely for surface corrosion and pitting, as the 2024 advisory noted corrosion to both sides, and listen for a creak or groan over undulating roads which may indicate a fractured spring. A thorough under-bonnet and under-vehicle inspection should focus on the components that have appeared in the MOT record. Lift the bonnet and inspect both front lower suspension arms where they meet the hub for perished or split bushes, fresh grease around ball joints, or signs of recent replacement which may indicate the work was rushed. Examine the inner track rod ends by rocking each front wheel laterally with the car jacked and the wheel free to detect play similar to that recorded. Inspect all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking, uneven shoulder wear which would point to geometry issues, and confirm the nearside rear area for any remaining embedded debris given the 2024 nail advisory. Finally, request proof of the recent ball joint replacement carried out between the August 2026 failure and retest, including any geometry alignment undertaken afterwards, as a Fiesta of this age with chronic front-end wear will only remain roadworthy if the rectification has been performed to a high standard and the adjacent steering components are kept under close observation.