2016 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · OW10 AMY

The defining mechanical concern for this 2016 Ford Fiesta is the emergence of front suspension wear alongside a confirmed rear axle bush defect, culminating in the July 2026 test where the vehicle initially failed before being presented again the same day and passing. The failed examination identified an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, a major category defect that on its own would render the car unroadworthy, plus an exhaust emissions exceedance for metered smoke on the non-turbocharged engine. Both advisories flagging the rear axle swivel pins and bushes as slightly worn on both sides were carried over between the failed and passed tests on 30 July 2026, indicating a left in-situ issue rather than a repaired item. Looking at the broader trajectory, the 2024 test was entirely clean with no advisories or failures recorded, yet by 2025 the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint was already showing slight play, and the 2023 test had flagged multiple tyres approaching the legal limit. This represents a clear worsening trend in the suspension and undercarriage components over the last twelve months, rather than a stable or improving pattern. With 80,325 miles recorded over a ten-year life, this Fiesta has averaged roughly 8,000 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class and points to steady rather than extreme usage. There are no notable gaps in the MOT history that would suggest extended periods off the road, with tests consistently appearing on an annual basis since at least 2023, and the mileage accumulation between tests appears proportionate rather than erratic. At this mileage level, one would reasonably expect normal wear on consumables and some fatigue in rubber and bush-mounted suspension items, which aligns with the components now coming through as advisories and failures. There is no evidence from the record of irregular use or long-term standing that would raise additional concerns about stale fuel, seized brake components, or dormant 12V battery issues. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough inspection of the front suspension, given that the offside front lower arm ball joint was deemed excessively worn at the recent test. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and pay particular attention to any vagueness, rattling, or shudders through the steering wheel over uneven surfaces, as worn ball joints typically manifest as imprecise steering and noise under load. The rear axle swivel pins and their bushes should also be evaluated, as slight wear flagged now will inevitably progress; symptoms include a vague or wandering rear end, clonks over undulations, and uneven rear tyre wear which itself can exacerbate the issue. It is worth jacking the vehicle and physically checking the offside front arm joint, the rear pivot bushes, and all associated rubber components for perishing, cracking, or excess movement before purchase, as the cost of replacing both front lower arms and the rear axle bushes could quickly accumulate. The tyre advisories from 2023 suggest edge wear was an issue, and given that alignment geometry is closely linked to suspension arm condition, a four-wheel alignment check should be factored into any post-purchase budget alongside likely tyre replacement if the existing set is approaching the limit. The smoke emissions failure on the non-turbocharged engine warrants a cold-start observation for blue or grey smoke, which would indicate oil consumption through worn valve guides, piston rings, or a failing PCV system, though it is also possible the failure was attributable to a sensor or fuelling issue that has since been addressed. Verify the condition and integrity of the exhaust system from manifold gasket through to the rear silencer, as a leaking exhaust before the lambda sensor can artificially elevate smoke readings. Finally, request evidence of any rectification work carried out between the failure and pass on 30 July 2026, as the advisories on rear swivel pin wear and the ball joint play from 2025 suggest these were known issues that may or may not have been properly resolved before the car was retested.