2012 Ford Ranger 2.2L Diesel · LR62 AFE

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows signs of recent decline despite passing its most recent test. While the November 2025 inspection at 134,851 miles secured a pass, the tester flagged defective headlamp lenses and a reduced damping effect on the nearside rear shock absorber. This follows a significant period of instability in late 2024, where the vehicle failed its MOT on November 7 at 128,436 miles due to a heavy concentration of suspension and steering defects. Although the owner addressed several issues to achieve a pass on November 20, 2024, the recurring nature of suspension component wear suggests a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging roughly 9,600 miles per year. The record shows steady usage from 2015 through 2024, though there was a notable jump in mileage between the July 2019 test at 53,800 miles and the December 2020 test at 78,610 miles. The most recent interval between November 2024 and November 2025 shows a regular progression of approximately 6,400 miles. This steady usage pattern indicates the truck is likely used for regular duties, which explains the progressive wear on consumable mechanical parts. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the suspension and steering systems during a physical inspection. The MOT history reveals a chronic trend of deterioration in ball joints, dust covers, and leaf spring bushes, with faults appearing consistently from 2021 through 2024. The failure in November 2024 specifically highlighted excessive play in the track rod ends and front suspension arms, alongside a rough offside front wheel bearing. These issues, combined with the recent advisory regarding shock absorber damping, suggest that the entire front and rear suspension geometry may require a thorough professional assessment to ensure stability. Further attention must be paid to potential fluid leaks and tyre condition. The November 2024 record noted an oil leak, and while no specific leak was mentioned in the 2025 test, the underlying cause should be verified. The history also shows frequent advisories regarding tyres worn close to the legal limit, particularly in 2015, 2020, and 2024. Given the heavy-duty nature of the Ford Ranger, checking the integrity of the leaf spring shackles and the condition of the rear axle components is essential to mitigate the risk of further structural or mechanical failures.