2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LR16 SSK

A fractured rear coil spring recorded as a major failure in December 2022, followed by a dangerous tyre failure with exposed cords and sidewall bulging the following August, forms the defining mechanical thread in this Fiesta's MOT history. The 2026-08-12 test passed without advisories, which marks a clean outcome; nevertheless, the record shows two dangerous or major defects within the past three test attempts and a cluster of advisory items across earlier tests. The most recent failure on 2026-08-11 was a major defect relating to the tyre pressure monitoring system, which was then resolved the next day. While the current pass is reassuring on the day of testing, the underlying pattern of tyre-related defects, suspension wear, and brake component wear warrants careful inspection. With 102,519 miles recorded over roughly ten years of testing history, the vehicle has accumulated around 10,000 miles annually, which sits within the expected band for a Fiesta of this age. The mileage progression between tests, including moves from 2022 through to 2026, indicates fairly consistent use without long stationary periods that could otherwise mask component deterioration. Front brake pads flagged as wearing thin in late 2022, combined with multiple advisories for nearside and offside tyres worn close to the legal limit, are consistent with a vehicle that is being driven regularly rather than stored. There are no recorded gaps of several consecutive years, so corrosion progression on suspension and underbody components should be proportionate to a decade of typical road exposure. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension, particularly the nearside rear coil spring area, since a fractured spring was recorded as recently as December 2022 and replacement components of this age can be susceptible to early failure. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any change in ride height or cornering stability that could suggest a weakened spring. Inspect the nearside and offside front tyres carefully for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can point to suspension geometry concerns such as worn wishbone bushes or track rod ends. Check the nearside rear seat belt webbing for any fraying or damage, as this advisory has now appeared at three consecutive tests, and verify that the belt retracts smoothly without snagging. The braking system warrants a thorough functional check given the thin front pads noted in late 2022 and the higher-than-typical annual mileage. On test, the pedal should feel firm without excessive travel, and there should be no juddering through the steering wheel under firm pedal pressure, which would suggest warped front discs. Confirm that the tyre pressure monitoring system warning light extinguishes after inflation to the correct pressures, as the most recent failure related to system malfunction. Verify the engine oil level on the dipstick before any test drive, since a low oil advisory was recorded in 2023, and listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start that could indicate stretched chain components, a known weakness on earlier Fiesta EcoBoost units. Finally, examine the underside for any surface corrosion on subframe and brake pipe runs, as road salt exposure over ten winters can lead to early pipe deterioration even without specific advisories being raised.