2003 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · SM03 MYB

The vehicle presents a significant concern regarding structural integrity and braking system degradation. While it passed a test in March 2024 at 91,760 miles, the subsequent failure in March 2025 at 94,020 miles reveals critical issues. The tester identified excessive corrosion on the offside front suspension turret and the nearside and offside rear inner arches and trailing arm mounting brackets. These are structural failures that significantly reduce mechanical strength, indicating that the rust has progressed from a manageable advisory to a safety-critical defect. At 94,020 miles, the Fiesta has covered relatively low mileage, averaging approximately 4,000 miles per year. However, this low usage has not translated into good maintenance of the braking system. The record shows a persistent trend of corroded brake pipes across all four corners dating back to 2023. By the 2025 test, the offside rear brake pipe was deemed excessively corroded, and both brake cables were found damaged. This suggests that while the car may be driven infrequently, the underlying components have suffered from environmental corrosion over time. The suspension and drivetrain components also show signs of wear and neglect. The 2025 failure flagged failing anti-roll bar linkage mounting brackets and excessively worn rear suspension arm pins and bushes. Recurring issues with imbalanced brakes across the rear axle and a reported oil leak indicate that the vehicle requires comprehensive mechanical attention. Given the structural rust identified in the wheel arches and turrets, the vehicle requires substantial investment to be considered roadworthy for the long term.