2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · OV59 KHH

The 2009 Ford Fiesta presents a concerning pattern of escalating mechanical issues across four consecutive MOT tests between late 2023 and early 2026, beginning with minor advisories around wheel distortion and oil leakage before progressing to serious failures including exposed front tyres, a damaged anti-roll bar linkage, and fractured coil springs. While the vehicle accumulated relatively modest mileage at approximately 5,953 miles per year over its 17-year life, the timing of the test failures—particularly the 2024 failure involving exposed tyre plies and a dangerous anti-roll bar ball joint—follows a trajectory of increasing severity rather than improvement. The 2026-09-01 test showed continued problems with rear shock absorber oil misting, oil leaks, and previously reported wheel distortions, suggesting underlying structural weaknesses have not been resolved despite subsequent passing results. The recorded mileage of 101,202 miles on a 2009 model represents an unusually low figure for such an age, averaging nearly six thousand miles annually—a rate far below typical usage patterns for vehicles of this generation. This disparity may indicate extended periods of immobility interspersed with sporadic driving, though the close proximity of two consecutive failed MOTs within a seven-month window (August-September 2024) suggests the vehicle was under significant stress during that period. The lack of consistent high-mileage testing makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about long-term wear on components like the brake system, suspension, or drivetrain, as the absence of frequent high-mileage checks means major degradation may not yet be fully reflected in the available records. The anti-roll bar linkage shows particular concern given the 2024 failure where the ball joint dust cover no longer prevented dirt ingress, indicating potential exposure to debris that could compromise lateral stability and handling. When assessing the vehicle on test drive, pay close attention to how the front and rear lower suspension arm ball joints respond when hitting bumps—these were flagged as severely deteriorated with dust cover failure in multiple successive tests. The oil leaks noted repeatedly (both front and rear areas) should be inspected for source identification, as persistent fluid seepage often points to faulty seals or hoses that may not immediately affect performance but can lead to accelerated component wear if left uncorrected. The fractured coil springs recorded in September 2023 represent a fundamental drivetrain weakness that likely contributed to the later failures, particularly affecting ride quality and handling stability. Before committing to purchase, conduct a thorough visual inspection of the rear suspension arm pins and bush assemblies for signs of wear or play, and have the anti-roll bar linkage thoroughly checked for proper function and seal integrity. Given the pattern of escalating failures spanning wheel alignment, braking, suspension, and drivetrain components, the vehicle appears to have experienced cumulative damage that may not be fully captured in the limited test interval history.