2009 Ford Fusion 1.4L Petrol · WN59 GDV

A persistent engine management warning lamp is the dominant theme running through the MOT history of this 2009 Ford Fusion. The MIL inoperative or indicating a malfunction defect has been recorded on three separate occasions: at the 2022-01-04 test, the 2024-12-13 test, and again at the 2026-01-06 test, the latter of which is the most recent recorded outcome and resulted in a failure. Each occurrence on the 2022 and 2024 tests was accompanied by additional major defects, including an excessively worn offside front anti-roll bar ball joint, an insecure battery and rear exhaust system in 2022, and nearside rear lighting failures in 2024. The 2026 test, while showing no advisory notes and only two minor failures related to the MIL and an insufficient washer supply, nonetheless demonstrates that the underlying engine management issue has not been definitively resolved across four years. For a prospective buyer, this recurring diagnostic trouble code condition is the single most significant risk indicator on file, as it can relate to emissions control faults, sensor failures, or broader powertrain concerns that MOT testing alone cannot fully diagnose. Recorded mileage of 135,400 miles against an approximate 17 year vehicle age equates to a typical annual accumulation of just under 8,000 miles per year, which is consistent with regular commuter or family use. The MOT record is also continuous, with tests recorded annually from 2022 through to early 2026, and no multi-year gaps that would suggest extended periods off the road. A near doubling of mileage between the first recorded entries and the present reading should, however, be expected to manifest as wear across consumables, brake components, suspension mounting bushes, engine mounts and drivetrain flexible components. The relatively steady year-on-year testing pattern supports a vehicle that has been in active service throughout this period rather than one that has been stored or used only sparingly. Specific attention should be directed to the components previously flagged by the tester. The offside front anti-roll bar ball joint recorded as excessively worn in 2022 should be physically inspected for play by rocking the wheel at twelve and six o'clock with the car raised, and any renewed clunking over road imperfections or cornering would indicate the joint has reached the end of its service life again. Front tyres have been flagged for edge wear on both nearside and offside positions at the 2024 test, and at the same test the offside front road wheel was noted as slightly distorted; any vibration felt through the steering wheel at speed, or uneven inner-edge tread wear on a current inspection, would warrant immediate wheel balancing, alignment checks or wheel replacement. The nearside rear lighting cluster failures on the 2024 test should be verified as fully operational across all functions, including position lamp, stop lamp and indicator colour, before purchase. The recurring MIL issue should be treated as the priority item for any pre-purchase evaluation. A diagnostic code read using an OBD-II scan tool is essential, with particular interest in stored codes relating to lambda sensors, catalytic converter efficiency, misfires, or evaporative emissions, all of which can trigger the MIL on Ford vehicles approaching this age and mileage. The exhaust system, which was recorded as insecure in 2022, should be checked along its full length for hangers, mounting rubbers and joint integrity, as four years of road use can easily reintroduce such faults. The battery and its securing bracket, also flagged in 2022, should be confirmed as properly clamped and free from any signs of terminal corrosion or acid leakage. Given the age and mileage, a thorough road test should include careful listening for suspension knocks over uneven surfaces, checking for any steering pull or wander, and confirming that the brake pedal feels firm without excessive travel or judder under moderate braking effort.