2016 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · YR16 DXC

The defining mechanical story of this 2016 Ford Fiesta is a pattern of recurring emissions failures and brake-related concerns that have surfaced across successive MOT tests, suggesting that the powertrain and undercarriage have been working hard over the vehicle's life. The most recent test on 9 October 2025 initially recorded a pass, but the same date shows a failure entry where the exhaust smoke output was so far in excess of the legal limit that the emissions test could not be completed, alongside a rear brake imbalance across axle two and a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system. Combined with a 2022 failure for exhaust emissions exceeding the manufacturer's specified limit, offside headlamp aim being too low, and an inoperative nearside stop lamp, the record indicates repeated regulatory non-conformity in exhaust performance rather than a one-off event. Earlier tests from 2020 and 2022 returned clean passes, but the intervening years have introduced advisories covering inner brake disc wear, insecure exhaust heatshields, defective wiper blades, and tyre wear close to the legal limit, painting a picture of a car whose condition has been gradually deteriorating rather than holding steady. With 103,906 miles recorded against a ten-year age, the Fiesta has averaged roughly 10,391 miles per year, which sits within typical expectations for a small Ford of this generation and rules out concerns about either very low usage or excessive motorway accumulation. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual MOTs recorded consistently from 2020 through 2025, indicating the vehicle has been in regular service throughout. This level of use is sufficient to wear suspension components, brake friction materials, and exhaust mounts at a predictable rate, and the recorded advisories for brake disc pitting and worn tyres align with what would be expected at this mileage. However, the brake disc wear noted in 2024, combined with the rear brake imbalance flagged as a major defect in 2025, suggests that braking hardware may be approaching a point where further attention is required, and any prospective purchase should not assume the discs and pads fitted at the time of the last test remain serviceable. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the exhaust system during a cold-start inspection, as the repeated emissions failures for smoke output indicate potential issues with engine breathing, turbo sealing on diesel derivatives, or valve stem oil control on petrol variants. Listening for blowing sounds or ticking from the exhaust manifold gasket, checking for blue smoke on initial start-up that clears once warm, and observing whether any smoke persists under hard acceleration would be worthwhile checks, as would inspecting the heatshield security referenced in the 2024 advisory. On test drive, the rear brake imbalance flagged on axle two should prompt careful assessment of the calipers and related hydraulic components; symptoms to listen for include pulling to one side under moderate braking, a pulsing pedal, or any grinding or scraping noise that suggests the inner disc wear noted previously has progressed to a more serious state. The nearside front inner brake disc and offside front inner brake disc were both recorded as worn, pitted, or scored in 2024, and a thorough inspection of pad material thickness, disc lip measurement, and caliper slide pin operation is recommended before purchase. The tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction recorded in October 2025 warrants a functional check of all four sensors, particularly if aftermarket wheels have been fitted, as sensor damage or battery depletion is common on higher-mileage vehicles. The oil leak advisory that has appeared across the 2025 test entries, while noted as not excessive, should be monitored by inspecting the underside of the engine and transmission for fresh seepage, particularly around the sump gasket, cam cover, and turbo oil feed lines where applicable. Given that the 2021 test recorded both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit and the 2023 test recorded a nearside front tyre in similar condition, alignment geometry and suspension bush wear merit close attention; knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces, uneven tyre shoulder wear, or steering wander would indicate worn wishbone bushes or drop links that have developed over the Fiesta's lifetime. Finally, the minor stop lamp and headlamp aim issues from the 2022 failure should be confirmed as resolved by a simple walk-around check of all exterior lighting before committing to purchase.