2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · FW12 ABU

A clear pattern of chronic brake disc wear runs through every recorded test on this Tiguan, with both front and rear discs flagged as worn, pitted, or scored at each of the last four MOTs. The 2023 test cycle began with a failure due to a nearside front shock absorber leaking fluid seriously, though the vehicle passed on the subsequent retest within the same month. Corrosion-related advisories also surfaced that year on the offside rear coil spring and the rear anti-roll bar, and the front lower suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides were noted as worn in 2024. The most recent test on 6 July 2026 was a pass, but it carried advisories on all four brake discs for pitting and scoring, indicating that brake component wear remains an unresolved and ongoing concern despite the vehicle holding a current roadworthy certificate. Across fourteen years the vehicle has accumulated 125,931 recorded miles, equating to roughly 8,995 miles per year, which sits close to the typical average for a car of this age. The mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic, with no significant annual gaps in MOT coverage that would suggest long periods off the road. This consistent level of use explains the regular wear-related advisories, as a Tiguan covering near-average annual mileage will see continuous degradation of friction surfaces, bushes, and exposed underbody components, particularly in a climate where winter salt exposure accelerates corrosion on suspension and braking hardware. For a prospective buyer, the brake system should be the primary inspection focus, given that all four discs have been repeatedly flagged for pitting and scoring over four consecutive tests. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping from the calipers, feel for pedal pulsation or vibration under firm braking, and check whether the vehicle pulls to one side, as uneven disc wear often correlates with binding calipers or uneven pad transfer. With the brake discs likely nearing the end of their service life, budgeting for a full axle replacement of discs and pads should be expected, and the condition of the caliper sliders, guide pins, and rear brake shoes or electronic handbrake mechanism warrants close physical inspection. The suspension components flagged in earlier tests deserve equal attention, particularly the front lower arm bushes noted in 2024 and the corroded offside rear coil spring and anti-roll bar from 2023. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, which would indicate worn lower arm pins or bushes progressing beyond advisory thresholds. Inspect the rear coil spring for visible cracking, flaking, or sagging that may have worsened since the 2023 advisory, and check the anti-roll bar links and drop links for free play by hand when the vehicle is raised. The 2025 advisory regarding an oil leak, while not deemed excessive at the time, should be monitored by checking for fresh staining on the engine block, undertray, and ground beneath the parked vehicle, paying particular attention to the cam chain tensioner area, turbo oil feed, and crankshaft seals common to the Tiguan's petrol and diesel engine families.