2015 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · OV15 TSX

A consistent pattern of lighting-related stop lamp failures, together with a developing rear damper issue, defines the mechanical history of this 2015 Ford Fiesta. Across seven recorded MOT tests since 2021, the offside rear stop lamp has failed on two occasions, in June 2023 and again in June 2024, both presented as major defects at separate attempts. The 2023 entry also carried advisories for perished nearside front tyres, suggesting the rubber had aged to a degree that warranted replacement. A clean pass followed in October 2025 with no advisories recorded, but a light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber had been noted in June of that year, indicating that the damper is beginning to weep hydraulic fluid. Taken together, the record shows a vehicle that is fundamentally roadworthy on test day but carries a recurring electrical gremlin at the rear lamp cluster and the early signs of rear suspension component wear. At roughly 3,654 miles per year over an eleven-year span, recorded usage is exceptionally low for a Fiesta of this vintage. There is no mileage gap in the MOT history that suggests a long off-road lay-up, and the annual accumulation remains modest and broadly consistent year on year. Mechanically, such light use reduces wear on internal drivetrain components and keeps brake and clutch friction material fresh, but it also tends to accelerate the ageing of rubber and polymer parts that deteriorate with time regardless of mileage, and can encourage brake disc corrosion from infrequent heavy braking. The perished front tyre advisory in 2023 is consistent with this pattern of time-related rubber degradation rather than tread wear. A prospective buyer should place particular emphasis on the rear lighting circuit before committing, as the repeat failure suggests a fault more persistent than a single bulb replacement. The nearside and offside rear stop lamp holders, the wiring loom within the boot hinge area, and the earth return should be examined for chafed insulation and corrosion. On the test drive, with the vehicle stationary and an assistant watching the rear lamps, confirm all brake light positions illuminate crisply without flicker, and check that none are dim or intermittent when the ignition is first switched on. Should the issue stem from a brittle or fractured bulb holder, a replacement will resolve it, but persistent recurrence points to a deeper loom or switch fault that warrants rectification. The offside rear shock absorber misting noted in June 2025 is presently within advisory limits, but it is worth monitoring as it has now been observed on a single test and may progress. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any tendency of the body to wallow or pitch excessively through corners and under braking. A hand push on each rear corner with the vehicle unladen should produce no more than one firm rebound before settling; continued oscillation indicates hydraulic fade. Because of the low annual mileage, the front brake discs should also be inspected for surface corrosion and pitting, the tyres examined for sidewall cracking despite remaining tread, and the battery load-tested, as long periods of light use with short journeys are known to shorten battery service life. The coolant and brake fluid are likely original and would benefit from replacement on age rather than condition grounds.