Ford Fiesta Fails MOT In Carlton Due To Dangerous Suspension Defects
When a customer recently booked their Ford Fiesta into Lindleys Autocentres Carlton for a routine service and MOT test, they weren’t expecting the vehicle to fail with dangerous defects.
Like many motorists, the customer had not noticed any obvious issues during day-to-day driving. However, during the MOT inspection, our technicians identified a serious problem affecting the vehicle’s rear suspension.
As a result, the vehicle received a “Do Not Drive Until Repaired” MOT failure notice.
Dangerous MOT Failure In Carlton: What Did We Find?
During the MOT test at our Carlton branch, our technician discovered that both rear upper coil spring mountings were insecure to the extent that visible movement was present.
The defects were recorded as:
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Nearside rear upper coil spring mounting insecure to the extent that relative movement is visible
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Offside rear upper coil spring mounting insecure to the extent that relative movement is visible
Because suspension components play a vital role in maintaining vehicle stability and control, these defects were categorised as dangerous under MOT testing standards.
A dangerous defect means the vehicle should not be driven until repairs have been completed. You can learn more about MOT defect categories on the GOV.UK website.
The images below show the condition of the rear suspension components identified during the MOT inspection.
During the MOT inspection, our technician identified dangerous defects affecting the rear suspension mounting points.
Why Suspension Defects Should Never Be Ignored
Your vehicle’s suspension system helps maintain tyre contact with the road, improves handling and contributes significantly to braking performance and stability.
When suspension components become corroded, damaged or insecure, vehicle control can be compromised, particularly during cornering, braking or when travelling over uneven road surfaces.
Many suspension faults develop gradually over time, meaning drivers may not immediately notice a problem until the vehicle undergoes an MOT inspection.
This Ford Fiesta is a perfect example of why annual MOT testing remains such an important safety check.
Additional MOT Advisories
Alongside the dangerous defects, our technician also identified several advisory items that may require attention in the future.
These included:
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Offside front daytime running light inoperative
- Nearside rear tyre showing signs of cracking and deterioration
- Offside rear tyre showing signs of cracking and deterioration
- Nearside rear coil spring corroded
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Offside rear coil spring corroded
While advisory items do not result in an MOT failure, they are recorded to help motorists plan future maintenance and avoid more significant issues developing later.
Both rear upper spring mounting points had deteriorated to the extent that visible movement was present, resulting in dangerous MOT defects.
Repairing A Dangerous MOT Failure In Carlton
Following authorisation from the customer, our Carlton technicians replaced both rear coil springs and the upper spring cup mounts. The new components restored the integrity of the rear suspension system and eliminated the dangerous defects identified during the MOT inspection.
Once the repairs had been completed, the vehicle was retested and successfully passed its MOT.
The customer was then able to drive away knowing their vehicle was safe, roadworthy and fully compliant with MOT requirements.
Why MOT Testing Matters
Many vehicle faults aren’t immediately obvious from behind the wheel.
Problems such as suspension wear, corrosion and deteriorating components can often go unnoticed until a qualified technician performs a detailed inspection.
Regular MOT testing helps identify these issues before they become a serious safety concern and ensures your vehicle remains roadworthy.
At Lindleys Autocentres Carlton, we carry out MOT testing on a wide range of makes and models, helping local motorists stay safe and compliant throughout the year.
Book Your MOT In Carlton
If your MOT is due soon, our experienced team at Lindleys Autocentres Carlton can help.
We provide MOT testing, car servicing, suspension repairs, tyres, brakes and general vehicle maintenance for motorists across Carlton, Gedling, Netherfield and the surrounding areas.
Whether your vehicle requires an MOT, routine servicing or suspension repairs, our team is here to help keep you safely on the road.
Contact Lindleys Autocentres Carlton today to book your MOT.
