2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SA12 NPN

The vehicle shows a concerning trend of mechanical degradation in its most recent testing. While it passed its latest MOT on 18 June 2026 at 112,230 miles, it carried over a known minor exhaust leak and play in the steering rack inner joints. These issues followed a failure just one day prior, where the tester also flagged a failing nearside front wheel bearing with excessive play and a non-functional nearside stop lamp. The persistence of the steering rack issue suggests that while minor repairs are made, deeper mechanical wear in the steering assembly remains unaddressed. The mileage profile is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,000 miles per year. However, the frequency of failures has increased significantly since 2023. Between May 2025 and June 2026, the car underwent three failed tests revealing a wide range of escalating faults. These include significant structural corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting area and a distorted nearside front inner wheel. The repeated failure of track rod ends, anti-roll bar linkages, and ball joints indicates a pattern of reactive maintenance where components are replaced after failure rather than proactive maintenance. Structural integrity is a primary concern for this Fiesta. The 12 May 2025 failure at 112,086 miles identified excessive corrosion on the sill which significantly reduced the structural strength of the vehicle. This is a critical safety point that requires close monitoring for progression. Additionally, the history of fractured coil springs and worn wheel bearings suggests the front suspension geometry is under constant stress. A buyer should request a thorough inspection of the chassis for rust and ensure the steering rack has been properly rectified rather than merely adjusted.