2020 Mitsubishi Shogun 2.4L Diesel · AE70 AKN

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 January 2026 recorded a PASS, which immediately followed a Dangerous FAILED outcome the prior day concerning excessively worn rear inner brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm in thickness. This is a significant and dangerous defect that had clearly developed since the vehicle passed cleanly in January 2025, indicating a marked deterioration in mechanical condition within a twelve-month window. While the pass was achieved after the brake rectification, the presence of multiple advisories, including shoulder wear on both front tyres and perishing anti-roll bar linkage bushes on both sides at the rear, suggests the vehicle is on a worsening maintenance trajectory rather than a stable one. The additional advisory regarding the third-row seatbelts being inaccessible due to folded seats is a procedural observation rather than a mechanical fault, but it points to owner habit that should be verified during inspection. With 33,189 miles recorded on a six-year-old vehicle, the Shōgun has covered an average of roughly 5,532 miles annually, which is substantially below the typical mileage for a large SUV of this type. This low annual figure suggests either prolonged periods of standing, gentle light use, or possible under-recording of mileage, all of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Extended standing allows brake discs to corrode and caliper slide pins to seize, particularly on a four-wheel-drive chassis of this size, while low cumulative mileage does not prevent time-based degradation of rubber components, fluids, and electrical systems. Conversely, if the vehicle has been used for towing or off-road activity, the actual mechanical stress on the drivetrain, transfer box, and rear axle could far exceed what the odometer reading implies. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent attention must be directed to the braking system. Although the vehicle passed after the dangerous failure, a thorough check of the rear pads, caliper operation, and brake fluid condition is essential. Given that front inner brake discs were already noted as pitted or scored in February 2024, it is highly probable that further disc corrosion or wear has developed, particularly if the vehicle has been standing in damp conditions. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and verify that the vehicle pulls evenly under braking. The rear anti-roll bar linkage bushes flagged as perished and splitting on both sides are also likely to require replacement soon, as perishing rubber progresses rapidly on a vehicle of this age. Symptoms include clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces and a degree of looseness in cornering, and these bushes should be physically inspected for cracking and free play on any test drive. Beyond the recorded advisories, the low annual mileage and the vehicle's six-year age demand careful inspection of age-related wear items that MOT testing does not always fully capture. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on low-mileage vehicles where rubber degrades through UV exposure rather than wear, even if tread depth remains adequate. The 12-volt battery is a priority concern, as batteries on lightly used vehicles frequently suffer from chronic undercharging and premature failure; a voltage or load test is advisable before purchase. Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, transfer box oil, and differential fluid should all be inspected for condition and service history, as calendar-based degradation occurs irrespective of mileage, particularly on a vehicle with off-road capability where specialist fluids are specified. Finally, examine the underside and chassis for standing corrosion, check for any fluid leaks from the rear axle or transfer box, and confirm that the third-row seatbelts are fully functional and retract correctly when the seats are raised, as this could not be verified at the time of the most recent test.