CATERHAM SEVEN1996 · 2.0L PETROL

The most recent MOT on 2026-04-28 recorded two minor issues: a nearside registration plate lamp inoperative and offside service brake binding that was not excessive. Both were classified as advisory rather than critical, and the vehicle passed. The brake binding suggests potential wear in the brake system, but the lack of severity indicates it may not yet pose an immediate safety risk. A recurring issue in the MOT history is play in the steering rack inner joint, first noted in 2022 and persisting through 2025 and 2024. This suggests a long-standing mechanical weakness in the steering system. While the problem has not worsened in terms of severity—no major failures or safety-critical faults were recorded—it remains unresolved, which could indicate ongoing wear or insufficient maintenance. The trend of issues appears stable rather than worsening. The 2024 MOT included a failure for a windscreen washer fault and a fuel system leak, but these were addressed by 2026. The steering rack issue, however, has persisted across multiple checks, highlighting a consistent mechanical concern. No new or escalating problems were reported in the latest MOT, but the unresolved steering rack play remains a key risk.