2019 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · WN19 HTK

The most recent MOT, dated 10 April 2026, resulted in a failure because the supplementary restraint system warning lamp was illuminated, indicating a fault in the air‑bag or occupant‑protection circuitry. Although the test otherwise passed with advisories concerning rear tyre perishing, rear‑wheel distortion and the same tyre issues were noted, the presence of a major SRS fault outweighs the minor warnings. Over the past four years the record shows a pattern of recurring rear‑tyre degradation, occasional wheel distortion and brake‑service binding, with the severity of defects having risen from advisory‑only passes in 2022‑2025 to a genuine failure in 2026, suggesting a maintenance trend that is deteriorating rather than stabilising. At 93,389 mi the Fiesta has accumulated roughly 13,300 mi per annum, well above the typical 8‑10 k mi per year for a family hatchback of this age. The relatively high annual mileage points to sustained on‑road use, which accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, suspension bushings and engine oil, and can also exacerbate corrosion on chassis components if the vehicle has been exposed to wet or salty conditions. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would indicate long periods of storage, so the wear observed in the MOT history is consistent with the mileage profile. When you inspect the vehicle give particular attention to the rear tyres and wheels. Look for sidewall cracks, dry rot, bulges or any irregular wear that could confirm the “slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” advisory; a visual inspection should be followed by a gentle press on the tread to feel for soft spots. The rear wheel distortion noted on three separate occasions may manifest as vibration at speeds above 50 mph or a wobble when the wheel is spun by hand; a qualified wheel‑balancing technician should verify roundness and, if required, have the wheel straight‑checked or replaced. The service‑brake binding advisories on the off‑side rear suggest that the caliper may be sticking, which can produce a dragging sensation, a slight pull to one side, or an audible squeal when applying the brakes; a full brake inspection, including pad thickness, disc condition and caliper operation, is advisable before committing to purchase. The SRS warning lamp failure is the most serious item and must be diagnosed by a qualified workshop equipped to read the air‑bag control module; a fault here can render the restraint system ineffective in a crash and may also trigger an illuminated dash warning that will not clear without proper repair. While you are at the garage, request a check of the headlamp aim (the 2022 failure indicates they were too low) and verify that the windscreen washer system now functions correctly. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and confirm it holds charge, examine the condition of the coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids for signs of ageing or contamination, and look for any rust on suspension joints, chassis rails and under‑body panels that could have progressed due to the higher mileage and exposure. Addressing these items will give you a realistic picture of the immediate costs required to bring the Fiesta to a reliable, road‑worthy state.