2015 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WS61 WAT

The defining mechanical concern on this 2015 Ford Fiesta is a clear progression in front suspension deterioration culminating in a dangerous failure at the most recent test. A near-side front lower suspension arm ball joint with slight play was first noted as an advisory in September 2023, and exactly three years later, on 27 August 2026, the off-side front ball joint was deemed likely to become detached, classifying the vehicle as dangerous and resulting in a fail. The car was retested the very next day, 28 August 2026, and passed with no defects recorded, which suggests the failed component was replaced or the joint was rectified just prior to the retest. While this immediate result is positive, the two advisories in 2022 concerning worn rear axle bushes, followed by the 2023 front ball joint advisory, and now a dangerous failure on the opposite side ball joint, indicate a pattern of suspension wear that should be considered seriously by any prospective purchaser rather than treated as a one-off event. At roughly 4,120 miles per year over its eleven-year life, this Fiesta is unusually low-mileage for its age and class. The mileage progression between tests is gradual and consistent, with no abrupt jumps that might indicate a clocked or inconsistent record, but the annual accumulation is low enough that long periods of standing cannot be ruled out. Lower-mileage vehicles of this age commonly present with age-related deterioration of rubber components such as bushes, gaiters, and brake hydraulic seals, all of which can degrade through dry rot or oxidation rather than mechanical wear. The combination of low usage and the recorded suspension issues is therefore consistent with a chassis that has experienced more rubber deterioration than typical service wear. A prospective buyer should treat the front suspension as the primary inspection focus. Both lower arm ball joints have now shown problems across the record, so the off-side joint that was the subject of the dangerous failure must be closely examined, along with the near-side joint that was noted in 2023, to confirm the quality and originality of the replacement components. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and feel for any wandering, vagueness, or shimmy through the steering wheel, particularly under braking or on cambers, all of which would suggest that the replacement ball joint or adjacent suspension components such as track rod ends, drop links, or bushes may also be worn. The vehicle should be put on a ramp or examined from beneath to verify the condition of the front subframe, lower arms, and any associated bushes for perishing or cracking. The 2022 advisories regarding both rear axle bushes should also be revisited. Slight wear noted on these components three years ago will typically have progressed, and any knocking from the rear axle over bumps, a slightly unsettled ride quality, or visible cracking or distortion of the rubber when viewed underneath would warrant further investigation. The 2023 rear tyre cracking and perishing advisories indicate the rubber compounds were already ageing four years ago, so all four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking, tread depth, and date of manufacture, and budget for replacement should be assumed even if they currently appear serviceable. Given the suspension history and the low overall mileage, an independent pre-purchase inspection with the vehicle raised on a four-post ramp is strongly advisable to confirm the integrity of the front suspension geometry, the security of the recent ball joint repair, and the general condition of the brake hydraulic system, hoses, and underbody corrosion before committing to purchase.