2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · PN66 FDY

A clear wear-related pattern has emerged in the MOT history of this 2016 Ford Fiesta, with the front brake system in particular showing a progression that culminated in a dangerous failure at the most recent test. The 2026-04-02 examination initially recorded a fail for both front brake pads being below 1.5 mm thick, a classification reserved for components considered an immediate road safety risk, before a subsequent pass was issued the same day once the rectification was verified. A related advisory a year earlier on 2025-03-31 had already flagged the front pads as wearing thin and both front discs as worn, pitted or scored, indicating that brake wear had been advancing for some time before reaching the dangerous threshold. Alongside the braking concerns, the 2026 test introduced a new advisory for an offside front coil spring corroded, adding a corrosion-related wear item to a record that had previously centred on consumables and steering components. Recorded mileage of 58,785 across a ten-year vehicle age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,878 miles, which is notably low for a car of this vintage and points to either limited daily use or extended periods off the road. The testing cadence between 2021 and 2023 was annual, but a gap then appears between the September 2023 pass and the April 2024 test, suggesting either a change in usage pattern or a period without recorded testing. Low-mileage accumulation typically reduces wear on drivetrain and major mechanical components, but it can accelerate deterioration of rubber and protective surfaces such as brake discs, suspension bushes and coil springs through corrosion rather than mechanical wear. The combination of pitted brake discs, corroded coil springs and worn swivel pin bushes already visible in the record is consistent with this low-use, corrosion-driven wear profile rather than high-mileage mechanical fatigue. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the steering and rear suspension components that have appeared as advisories at three consecutive tests from 2024 through 2025, specifically the offside front steering rack inner joint play and the rear axle swivel pins and bushes showing slight wear on both sides. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when turning over speed humps or rough tarmac, and feel for any vagueness, slack or rattle through the steering wheel, particularly near full lock. With the rear axle, listen for squeaks or thuds from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces and check visually for any cracking or perishing in the visible bush material. The recurrence of these advisories across multiple tests suggests the wear is gradual but progressive and is unlikely to have reversed without intervention. Given the dangerous brake pad failure in April 2026, it is essential to confirm in writing exactly what rectification work was carried out between the failed and passed tests on that date, and to inspect the current condition of the front discs directly, as the pitted surfaces noted in 2025 can compromise braking feel and pad life if not machined or replaced. The newly flagged offside front coil spring corrosion should be examined for surface pitting and any loss of ride height, as corroded springs are prone to fracture and replacement typically requires a paired change. Under the bonnet, check for any signs of brake fluid leaks around the front calipers and flexible hoses, as the combination of disc corrosion and pad wear can sometimes indicate seized caliper guide pins. Finally, examine the rear tyres for uneven shoulder wear consistent with the offside rear edge wear advisory recorded in 2024, and confirm that the headlamp aim is set correctly to avoid a repeat of the 2024 prs failure.