2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SH10 CXB

A pattern of chronic steering and braking wear is the defining feature of this 2010 Ford Fiesta's MOT history, with track rod end ball joints, brake components and underbody corrosion appearing repeatedly across multiple test cycles. The most recent attempt on 19 November 2024 produced both a fail and a pass on the same day, which is a common occurrence when a vehicle fails, repairs are made on site, and a partial retest is then completed; the residual advisories from that visit mirror items flagged in earlier years, suggesting the underlying wear has not been fully resolved. The fail itself was driven by three major defects: an offside rear secondary parking brake with inadequate effort on the single line system, a missing offside front road wheel fixing, and overall parking brake efficiency below requirements, while the track rod end play flagged as a major defect back in 2022 had regressed to only an advisory by 2024. Looking back through the 2020 to 2024 record, every annual test has carried at least one advisory, and the previous years have produced major defects relating to track rod ends on both sides, a leaking offside rear brake cylinder, a major exhaust gas leak, and an anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failure, painting a picture of a vehicle whose consumable and chassis components have been progressively degrading rather than being comprehensively refurbished. Mileage accumulation appears broadly typical for the vehicle's age, with approximately 108,172 miles recorded over 16 years, equating to an average of around 6,761 miles per year. The annual test cycle from 2020 onwards shows consistent year-on-year attendance with no prolonged gaps in testing, which rules out extended periods off the road and suggests the Fiesta has been in regular use throughout that window. At this mileage on a Ford Fiesta of this generation, attention to clutch wear, gearbox synchro behaviour and engine oil consumption is advisable, but the MOT record itself does not record any engine or transmission related defects, so any assessment of those items would need to come from a physical inspection and test drive rather than the official history. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front suspension advisories warrant particular scrutiny on a physical inspection. The track rod end ball joint with slight play flagged at the most recent test should be checked by rocking the front wheels with the car raised to detect any clonking or visible movement, and the steering should be turned lock to lock with the engine running to listen for any knocking from the front end. The nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover that previously failed should be inspected for perished or split rubber, as a torn boot will allow dirt ingress and accelerate joint wear. Given the front sub-frame corrosion advisories from 2020 and 2021, the underside should be examined closely for any progression of rust, particularly around mounting points and suspension pick-ups, and the front brake pipes previously flagged as corroded under grease should be inspected for any fresh corrosion or weeping at joints and unions. The braking system also demands focused attention. With a leaking offside rear hydraulic cylinder having been recorded as a major defect in 2023 and the parking brake efficiency having failed at the most recent test, a thorough check of the rear calipers for binding or seized slides, the handbrake mechanism for adequate cable travel and adjustment, and the rear drums or discs for wear should be undertaken before purchase. A test drive should include firm pedal applications to detect any sponginess or travel that could indicate air in the system or further hydraulic leaks, and the parking brake should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds the vehicle securely. The exhaust, which has had both major and minor leaks recorded, should be checked at the front joint and rear section for any hissing or blowing sounds on startup, while the nearside non obligatory mirror damage carried as a long-standing advisory should be replaced for proper rear visibility. Finally, the missing wheel fixing noted as a major defect at the 2024 retest must be confirmed as rectified, and a torque check of all four wheels is prudent given that specific failure.