2021 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · OU21 LSC

The defining mechanical note on this 2021 Ford Fiesta is the tyre structure failure recorded on 24 March 2024, where all four tyres were simultaneously deemed dangerous due to bulges caused by separation or partial failure of their internal structure. This is an unusual and serious entry, as it suggests a batch-related defect, impact damage, or extended standing period that compromised the sidewalls, rather than ordinary wear. The vehicle was re-presented the following day and passed, indicating the tyres were replaced in the interim, and the two subsequent tests in March 2025 and March 2026 returned clean results with no recorded tyre advisories. However, the most recent test on 24 March 2026 did flag front brake pads wearing thin alongside front brake discs showing pitting and scoring, signalling that the friction components are now approaching the end of their useful service life. Annual mileage accumulation sits at roughly 6,876 miles per year over the five-year span, which is broadly typical for a Fiesta of this age and points to a mix of commuting and shorter journeys rather than sustained high-mileage motorway use. There are no extended gaps between tests, the recorded odometer readings progress smoothly from 2024 through to 2026, and the vehicle has clearly remained in regular use throughout the period covered by the records. This pattern means the engine, clutch, transmission and ancillary drive items are likely to have been worked consistently rather than left to deteriorate through long periods of standing, but the relatively modest mileage also means consumable wear is incremental and components such as brake fluid, coolant and the 12V auxiliary battery will still require periodic replacement on a time basis rather than purely on mileage. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a close inspection of the front braking system, since both pads and discs were flagged at the latest test. On a test drive, listen for any binding or rubbing from the front calipers when the wheel is rotated by hand with the car jacked, and feel for brake judder through the steering wheel or pedal under firm application, which would indicate the pitted discs have now reached a serviceable limit. Inspect the discs visually for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and for deep scoring that catches a fingernail, and budget for a replacement set of pads and discs if they have not been attended to since March 2026. The tyres fitted at the time of the 2024 dangerous failure should also be confirmed as being of reputable recent manufacture, with evenly balanced wear across all four corners to rule out any underlying tracking, geometry or suspension issue. Beyond the brake items, the suspension should be exercised carefully over uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to any clonks, knocking or harshness from the front struts, top mounts, wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar linkages, which are common wear points on a Fiesta of this vintage and would not yet have shown on a static MOT ramp. Check for power steering whine or stiffness that could point to rack wear, and feel for any vagueness or pulling to one side that might indicate a tired component on the front axle. Inspect the underside for any fresh corrosion around the subframe mounting points, suspension arms and brake pipe runs, particularly given the previous all-round tyre failure, and confirm there are no oil leaks from the engine or transmission sump that might have developed with continued use. A thorough road test, including several firm brake stops from higher speed and a check of the electronic stability control system via a dashboard warning scan, will round out the evaluation of a vehicle whose MOT record is largely encouraging but whose brake components are now due for attention.