2009 Ford Fiesta: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Ford Fiestas, from 84,681 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Ford Fiestas than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Ball joint2.3× usualFord Fiesta15% All 2009 cars6.6%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Wheels4.1× usualFord Fiesta9% All 2009 cars2.2%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Swivel pins and bushes5.5× usualFord Fiesta6.6% All 2009 cars1.2%Rough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Track rod end1.7× usualFord Fiesta9% All 2009 cars5.4%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Stop lamp1.5× usualFord Fiesta8.3% All 2009 cars5.4%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.7% here, against 11.1% of all 2009 cars. Shock absorbers: 2.4% here, against 7.5% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Ford Fiesta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension51% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres38% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes27% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Exhaust and emissions13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks9% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- PowerShift automatic gearboxAutomatic versions only
Automatic Fiestas with the PowerShift gearbox can give jerky changes, hesitate, or in bad cases lose drive. Repairs can be expensive.
At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, pull away gently from a standstill several times and drive in slow traffic. Any judder, clunk or hesitation is a warning sign.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7,649 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 20,223 | Tyres 30% |
| 2019 | 73,694 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 92,914 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 89,566 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 112,880 | Suspension 34% |
| 2015 | 123,631 | Suspension 37% |
| 2014 | 120,169 | Suspension 42% |
| 2013 | 109,733 | Suspension 47% |
| 2012 | 95,802 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 81,013 | Suspension 48% |
| 2010 | 81,330 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 48,771 | Suspension 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Ford Fiestas registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score