2009 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · NG09 KNE

The 2009 Ford Focus presents a mixed maintenance picture with a recent clean pass on 27 November 2025 at 117,265 miles, but that same day also recorded a failed test revealing a fractured offside rear coil spring, a major rear exhaust leak, and an incorrect headlamp aim. The coil spring fracture is a serious suspension defect that compromises ride height and handling stability, and the fact it appeared on the same date as the pass suggests the vehicle was retested after a repair. The overall trend is one of recurring faults rather than consistent upkeep, with multiple failures across 2024 and 2025 indicating intermittent attention to critical components. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,898 miles per year over 17 years is typical for this age of vehicle, and the record shows steady annual testing with no significant gaps. The 2024 test at 111,845 miles revealed an ABS warning lamp fault, an ESC fault, and an excessively binding offside front brake, alongside a fractured nearside rear coil spring and excessive corrosion to the offside rear outer bodysill. The bodysill corrosion is particularly concerning as it relates to structural integrity, a key MOT failure point. The 2023 pass at 103,733 miles included only a minor rear exhaust leak, suggesting the more severe defects developed relatively recently. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension and structural corrosion. The repeated coil spring fractures on both sides indicate either poor-quality replacement parts or underlying issues such as worn dampers or excessive load. The 2024 failure for excessive bodysill corrosion significantly reducing structural strength demands a thorough underside inspection, particularly around rear suspension mounting points and sill sections. Brake condition also warrants scrutiny given the binding front brake and ABS/ESC faults recorded in 2024, which may point to sticking calipers, seized slides, or sensor faults that could recur. The exhaust system has shown leaks in both 2023 and 2025, so the back box and rear section should be checked for corrosion and secure mounting. Finally, verify the headlamp aim and all rear lamp colours, as these minor electrical issues have appeared repeatedly and may indicate wiring or bulb seating problems.