2016 Ford Ecosport 1.5L Diesel · NX16 PBF

The 2016 Ford EcoSport has demonstrated a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance record, with the most recent MOT on 9 April 2026—just three months prior to today—showing no defects, though this masks a history of recurring issues. The trend over the past three years is unstable, with critical failures in May 2023 (parking brake inefficiency and near-legal tyre tread) and persistent suspension faults in February 2024 (split rear axle bushes). While the latest test cleared the vehicle, the absence of defects does not negate the structural concerns identified earlier, particularly the corroded rear coil springs in February 2025. Buyers should treat the current pass with caution, as it does not address whether these earlier faults have been professionally repaired or if they remain latent. The mileage progression reveals inconsistent usage, with a notable jump from 43,978 miles in May 2023 to 46,610 miles by February 2024—a 2,632-mile increase in just nine months—before settling into a more moderate 10,000-mile annual average in recent years. This suggests either sporadic driving or periods of neglect, particularly around the 2023 failure, where the vehicle was tested twice in a single month. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (12 months) also raises questions about whether intermediate maintenance was performed, given the severity of the axle bush failures at the latter date. A thorough inspection should prioritise the rear suspension, where split axle bushes and corroded coil springs were flagged in consecutive tests. The parking brake system, which failed twice in 2023, warrants immediate attention—check for proper cable tension, lever adjustment, and drum/disc condition. Front tyres, which were below legal tread in 2023, should be examined for uneven wear or edge damage, while the offside rear tyre from the 2025 test may indicate a long-term corrosion issue requiring closer scrutiny of wheel arches. Structural integrity of the rear subframe is also implied by the bush failures, so look for misalignment or excessive play in the rear axle.