2009 Ford Fusion 1.4L Petrol · WN59 FEK

A pattern of rear brake and suspension wear defines the mechanical history of this 2009 Ford Fusion, with the most recent test on 4 November 2024 returning a pass alongside five advisories that point to ongoing degradation rather than a stable, trouble-free record. The 2022 test flagged a dangerous leaking offside rear brake pipe and an excessively corroded brake pipe, items that directly compromise hydraulic integrity, while the 2021 test had already noted corrosion on the same offside rear brake pipe covered in grease or other material, suggesting the deterioration was developing over time before reaching a dangerous state. The same 2022 visit also recorded an excessively worn offside front upper Macpherson strut pin or bush, a component that controls suspension geometry and noise insulation. Front-end wear has continued since, with the 2024 advisories noting a pitted nearside front brake disc, and rear coil spring corrosion on both sides, alongside a minor exhaust gas leak and a damaged rear engine mounting. The repeated appearance of the damaged rear engine mounting across both the 2023 and 2024 tests indicates a chronic issue rather than a one-off observation. Mileage accumulation of 111,933 miles across roughly seventeen years equates to around 6,584 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, although the testing cadence reveals meaningful gaps and clustering. The record begins in May 2018 and runs annually through to November 2024, with intervals of roughly twelve months for routine checks, which suggests the vehicle has generally been in active use rather than laid up. The fact that eight MOT entries span only six calendar years, combined with the mileage growth between tests, points to steady rather than sporadic driving, though the relatively modest annual figure means the car has accumulated wear gradually with extended standing periods possible during shorter weekly journeys, which can exacerbate corrosion on underbody components such as the rear brake pipes and coil springs already noted in the advisories. A prospective buyer should treat the brake and rear suspension items as priority inspection areas. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, as corroded coil springs can fracture and a failed spring typically produces an audible metallic noise and a noticeable drop in ride height on one side. The offside rear brake pipe region should be physically examined for surface rust, flaking metal, or any sign of fresh sealant or joint repair, as the 2022 failure for a leaking pipe indicates the section from the rear flexibly-jointed line through to the wheel cylinder is vulnerable, and the 2021 advisory suggests the corrosion had been visible but not yet critical. Brake pedal feel should be firm with no excessive travel or sponginess, and under heavy braking any judder or vibration through the pedal would indicate the pitted nearside front disc noted in 2024 has progressed and may now require machining or replacement. The offside front upper Macpherson strut pin or bush, which was excessively worn in 2022, should be checked by hand for play in the top mount with the wheel off the ground, and any clonking over speed bumps or on full lock would indicate the bush has continued to deteriorate since. Additional checks should focus on the recurring rear engine mounting and the cooling system. With the same engine mounting flagged in both 2023 and 2024, the buyer should ask for the vehicle to be observed at idle with the bonnet open, watching for excessive engine movement when the transmission is engaged and released, as a failing hydraulic or fluid-filled mounting can allow the powertrain to shift noticeably on throttle blips. The 2023 advisory for a coolant leak warrants a thorough inspection of all visible hoses, the radiator, the water pump area, and the expansion tank for residue, staining, or active seepage, particularly with the engine warm. The exhaust system should be listened to at cold start for any additional ticking or hissing beyond the minor leak already recorded, and the offside rear direction indicator, which was the wrong colour in 2022 and slightly discoloured in 2021, should be confirmed as compliant, as incorrect indicator colour is a straightforward but commonly failed item on older Fords. Finally, the offside front tyre flagged for damage and perishing in 2024 should be inspected for sidewall cracking, as perishing in a tyre of this age often spreads to other wheels and indicates the rubber compound is reaching the end of its service life regardless of tread depth.