2016 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · LO66 FDA

A recurring pattern of wear in the front-end steering and suspension components is the defining mechanical characteristic of this vehicle, with the most recent test on 12 February 2026 recording a pass despite a minor defect regarding a severely deteriorated offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover. This follows a series of advisories concerning play in the anti-roll bar linkages in 2025 and play in the nearside front outer track rod end in the latest inspection. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record since 2019, the progression of advisories suggests a trend of accumulating wear within the front suspension geometry and steering linkages. The vehicle has covered 140,258 miles over its ten-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 14,026 miles. This usage profile is higher than the UK average for a petrol-engine hatchback of this age, indicating frequent long-distance or high-frequency road use. Mechanically, this sustained mileage increases the likelihood of accelerated wear on consumable components such as suspension bushes, ball joints, and tyre tread, as evidenced by the 2023 advisory regarding front tyre wear. The consistent annual testing interval suggests the vehicle has been in regular use rather than sitting stationary for extended periods. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering assembly to address the specific issues flagged in the DVSA records. The deterioration of the suspension arm ball joint dust cover can lead to premature joint failure if grease escapes, so it is essential to check for any audible knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. Furthermore, the recorded play in the track rod end and anti-roll bar linkages warrants a careful test drive to check for steering wander, a lack of precision in the steering feel, or any irregular vibrations through the steering wheel at motorway speeds. Attention should also be paid to the condition of the front tyres, given the previous advisory regarding edge wear. Uneven tyre wear can be a direct symptom of the steering and suspension play noted in the MOT history. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic thumping or uneven road noise and observe if the vehicle exhibits any pulling to one side when the steering wheel is momentarily released on a level surface. Verifying the integrity of the suspension component covers and ensuring there is no excessive movement in the steering linkage will be critical to determining the current state of the front-end assembly.