2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · MM12 DRO

Rear‑end suspension wear dominates the MOT record, with repeated advisories for both nearside and off‑side rear sub‑frame pins or bushes and for corroded rear coil springs, compounded by light oil mist from the nearside rear shock absorber. The pattern escalated to a major failure on the front lower suspension arm ball joints in 2024, indicating that the vehicle’s suspension components have been a persistent source of concern rather than an isolated issue. The most recent test in July 2026 passed, but the same rear‑sub‑frame and shock‑oil advisories re‑appeared, showing that the underlying problems have not been fully resolved. At 86,946 mi the car averages just over 6,200 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits squarely within normal usage for a fourteen‑year‑old Ford Fiesta. The MOT history shows a consistent annual testing cadence with no significant gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road rather than stored for extended periods. This steady mileage accumulation means wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components will be in line with age‑related expectations, but the recurring rear‑suspension advisories imply that the cumulative mileage has taken a noticeable toll on those specific parts. Prospective buyers should concentrate the pre‑purchase inspection on the rear sub‑frame area: feel for any looseness or clunking when the car is driven over bumps, and inspect the pins and bushings for excessive play or corrosion. The corroded coil springs may be weakened, so a visual check for rust pitting and a bounce test for spring integrity are advisable. The nearside rear shock’s oil mist suggests a seal leak; look for dampness or oil residue around the shock body and listen for a hissing sound under acceleration or when the suspension compresses. Front lower suspension arm ball joints, flagged as excessively worn in 2024, should be examined for play by applying force to the wheel hub; any noticeable movement or knocking indicates the need for immediate replacement. Additional items to verify include the rear exhaust silencer’s outer cover, which has been noted as slightly loose; a rattling noise at a steady speed can confirm the defect. The nearside front wheel bearing’s slight play and the nearside front track‑rod end’s slight play, both recorded as advisories, should be assessed by listening for a humming or growling noise that varies with wheel speed and by checking for steering wobble or pull. The steering rack inner joint’s reported play warrants a test‑drive check for vague steering feel or dead zones. Finally, confirm that both front and rear registration plate lamps illuminate correctly, as minor lamp failures have been recorded in recent years. Addressing these specific points will give a realistic picture of the Fiesta’s current roadworthiness.