2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · NA10 LBY

The 2010 Ford Fiesta failed its most recent MOT on 19 January 2026 at 162,316 miles, and the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The tester flagged a cluster of serious defects that point to neglected structural and steering integrity. Both front track rod ends and the nearside steering linkage ball joint were worn to the point of presenting a serious risk of detachment, while both front and rear coil springs were corroded. The offside rear structure was corroded to the extent that rigidity was significantly reduced, and the front drive shaft CV boot was severely deteriorated. These are not minor consumable items. They represent a vehicle that has been driven with known faults for some time, as several of these issues were already present or developing in earlier tests. The mileage pattern is broadly typical for a 16-year-old car at roughly 10,145 miles per year, but the record shows a notable jump between January 2025 at 137,940 miles and January 2026 at 162,316 miles. That is an increase of 24,376 miles in a single year, well above the vehicle's historical average. Such rapid accumulation in the final year of the record places additional stress on components that were already flagged as deteriorating, particularly the suspension, steering linkage, and drivetrain boots. The gap between the 2025 pass and the 2026 failure is only twelve months, yet the condition has degraded sharply. A buyer should treat the structural corrosion as the primary concern. The offside rear corrosion noted in the 2026 failure relates to vehicle structure, not cosmetic trim, and any in-person inspection must assess whether the corrosion has spread to load-bearing points, subframes, or suspension mounting areas. The repeated coil spring corrosion advisories from 2025 onwards suggest the car has been exposed to moisture or road salt without adequate underbody protection. Both springs should be inspected for cracking or fracture, not just surface rust. The steering and suspension defects demand equal attention. Excessive play in both track rod ends and the nearside steering ball joint indicates the front end has been running loose, which will have accelerated tyre wear and compromised handling precision. The front CV boot deterioration means the joint has been ingesting dirt and moisture, and a clicking sound during full lock would confirm the joint is already damaged. Brake pads were flagged as below minimum thickness in the 2025 failure, so disc and pad condition should be verified. Lamp and seat belt defects are straightforward fixes, but their presence alongside structural and steering failures suggests general upkeep has been reactive rather than preventive.