2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · LL65 XFB

The defining mechanical story of this 2015 Ford Fiesta centres on a chronic pattern of suspension damping and brake component wear that has surfaced consistently in every recorded MOT since 2022. The most recent test on 16 December 2025 was a pass, but it carried advisories for front brake disc wear on both sides and light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, both of which represent ongoing deterioration rather than isolated occurrences. The offside front shock absorber oil misting has been flagged in three consecutive tests from 2022 through 2025, demonstrating that the seal degradation is progressive. Additionally, the 2023 test recorded a dangerous failure for nearside rear shock absorber fluid leak, confirming that the damping issue affects both axles. The single clean pass in 2023 (with no defects recorded) sits in contrast to this otherwise consistent advisory and failure pattern, and the 2025 pass was only achieved after addressing major electrical defects on the same day, including a failed nearside stop lamp and a non-functional offside dipped headlamp that could not even be tested for beam aim. With 65,132 miles accumulated over eleven years, this Fiesta averages approximately 5,921 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and segment. Annual testing has been continuous from 2020 through 2025 with no recorded gaps, indicating the car has remained in regular service rather than being laid up for extended periods. While the lower mileage reduces overall wear on major drivetrain components, the chronic shock absorber and brake disc advisories are somewhat unusual for a vehicle that has covered fewer than 6,000 miles per year, suggesting either sustained short-trip urban use that loads the suspension and brakes repeatedly from cold, or simply that the original damping units and brake friction surfaces are reaching the end of their functional life regardless of mileage. A prospective buyer should treat the recurring shock absorber oil misting as a maintenance liability that will require replacement in the near term. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to any continued rear instability, given the 2023 dangerous failure for fluid leak on the nearside rear unit. The front brake discs have now appeared as worn on both sides across the 2024 and 2025 tests, so the vehicle should be test-driven with deliberate medium to heavy brake applications to detect any pedal judder, vibration through the steering wheel, or grinding sensation, all of which would indicate the discs have worn beyond the advisory threshold and require machining or replacement. It is also worth measuring brake disc thickness with a gauge if access is available, as the MOT standard permits wear up to the manufacturer minimum, and a vehicle already flagged two years running will be approaching the replacement threshold. The 2025 electrical failures warrant a thorough functional check of all exterior lighting before purchase, specifically the nearside stop lamp operation under both ignition and engine running conditions, the offside headlamp dipped beam, and the headlamp levelling mechanism. Verify that both side repeaters illuminate and that the headlamp aim can actually be assessed, as the tester was unable to complete the standard aim check. The 2025 advisory regarding offside headlamp levelling being untestable may point to a faulty levelling motor or linkage, which is a common failure point on Fiesta headlamp units of this generation. Finally, although the 2023 dangerous brake pad failure was clearly rectified, the handbrake travel advisory noted in the same test should prompt a stationary check of the handbrake lever stroke and effectiveness on an incline, ensuring full parking brake function before committing to the purchase.