2016 Ford Mondeo 1.5L Diesel · YA65 FXW

The 2026 MOT test dated 5 May 2026 resulted in a Pass for this 2016 Ford Mondeo, with two advisories recorded: underside corrosion and a front brake disc noted as worn, pitted or scored but not seriously weakened. Looking across the recent MOT history, the overall trend is broadly stable rather than improving, with a consistent pattern of minor advisories that are progressively accumulating rather than being rectified between tests. The most recent failure on 2022-06-09 related to a serious rear shock absorber fluid leak, which has since passed at the 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 tests, indicating either replacement or that the unit has since stabilised. However, the recurring advisories for both front and rear brake disc wear and lower suspension arm bushes since 2023 indicate that several wear items are progressing steadily and warrant closer scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 82,498 miles for a ten year old vehicle equates to roughly 8,250 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age. The MOT records show consistent year on year accumulation in the 8,000 to 12,000 mile range, with no large gaps suggesting prolonged standing. This is mechanically reassuring from a corrosion and brake seizure standpoint, as the vehicle has clearly been in regular use, helping to keep discs free from severe standing corrosion and reducing the likelihood of seized calipers or perished coolant hoses from inactivity. At this mileage on a Mondeo, attention should rightly be turning to mid-life consumables such as the timing belt or chain service interval, clutch wear on manual variants, and drivetrain mounts, in addition to the brake and suspension items flagged on the advisories. The persistent advisories for front and rear brake disc pitting and scoring are worth careful inspection. Pitted discs can cause vibration or a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal under heavier braking, and they will eventually require replacement once wear or corrosion reaches the minimum thickness threshold. On a test drive, listen for brake shudder on application and check that the vehicle stops squarely without pulling to either side. If replacement is imminent, factor in the cost of a paired front or all round disc and pad set. The recurring advisories for the lower suspension arm rear bushes on both nearside and offside front are equally significant; worn bushes typically produce clonking or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, vague or wandering steering, and uneven tyre wear across the front axle. On inspection, rock each front wheel top to bottom and side to side to detect play, and examine the inner and outer shoulders of the front tyres for feathering or premature wear, which would confirm deteriorated bushes. Beyond the advisories, several age related checks are appropriate for a ten year old Mondeo. The underside corrosion advisory from the 2026 test should be physically examined on a ramp or over a pit to confirm it remains purely surface oxidation rather than penetrating structural sections, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframes, and the rear arch areas which are known Mondeo weak spots. Inspect all tyres for age related sidewall cracking and perishing regardless of tread depth, verify the production date code on the sidewall, and confirm the 12V battery holds a strong charge as units of this age commonly fail without warning. Check the service book or history for timely replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid in line with calendar intervals rather than purely mileage, as older Mondeos are known for cooling system plastic component degradation and water pump failure. Finally, on the test drive, ensure the steering remains consistent, the gear selection is smooth, and there are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, particularly the DPF or emissions related indicators common to diesel variants.