2017 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · NV17 EXX

The 2017 Ford Fiesta carries a concerning pattern of recurring MOT failures that span nearly five years, beginning with a complete failure in January 2021 involving driver seat adjustment, rear side repeater lens damage, and multiple lighting and brake system deficiencies. Subsequent tests through July 2024 revealed further deterioration in the same systems, including fractured rear coil springs, progressively thinning brake pads and brake linings, and persistent exhaust gas leakage. The most recent test on 2026-02-17 returned a pass, but this result sits atop a record of escalating mechanical stress rather than stable performance. The overall trajectory is one of accumulating reliability issues across suspension, braking, and electrical systems rather than steady improvement. With 79,507 miles recorded on a nine-year-old vehicle, the annualisation of approximately 8,830 miles places this within typical expectations for its age though the distribution of wear is uneven. The test history shows clustering of failures between late 2021 and early 2024, with no clear indication of gradual improvement between each assessment. The gap between the December 2021 and January 2023 tests—just eight months apart—contains two consecutive fails, suggesting the vehicle did not achieve sustained stability. This irregular testing pattern combined with the persistence of mechanical faults implies that while the odometer reading may appear modest, the underlying component degradation continues unabated. The fractured rear coil springs identified in the January 2023 and July 2024 MOTs represent a serious structural concern that should manifest as a hard, clunking transmission over bumps or a noticeable jump in the ride height during cornering. When conducting a test drive, pay close attention to how the car handles low-speed turns and whether you experience any audible or tactile knocking through the bodywork when negotiating gentle curves. The rear suspension geometry is compromised enough that excessive vertical movement will likely cause the rear end to sit lower or higher than expected, and the lack of adequate spring support can transmit road imperfections directly into the passenger compartment. The progressive thinning of front brake pads and brake linings, evidenced by separate fails in January 2023 and August 2023, warrants immediate scrutiny during a test drive; look for any reduction in pedal firmness, a soft or spongy sensation, or delayed response when applying the brakes at speed. Additionally, the rear coil spring failures can indirectly affect braking dynamics by altering suspension geometry and potentially increasing wheel-to-wheel clearance, so ensure the rear wheels remain properly aligned and the steering feels responsive throughout the turn cycle. If the vehicle was ever parked for extended periods, also inspect the underbody for signs of corrosion around the coil spring mounts and subframe connections, as deteriorating fasteners can accelerate the progression of the already-reported structural weaknesses.