2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · GJ12 AAV

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-22 confirms it passed without defects, though the immediate preceding tests on 2025-09-19 and 2025-07-30 both resulted in failures—despite identical mileage readings at the time of failure. This pattern suggests either a temporary administrative oversight during the July test or a brief but unresolved mechanical issue that was corrected before the September retest. The 2024 and 2023 tests show no faults, indicating a stable roadworthiness record over the past three years. However, the clustering of failures in mid-to-late 2025—just three months apart—warries closer scrutiny of components that might have been overlooked or intermittently faulty, particularly if the failures stemmed from the same underlying issue. The vehicle’s mileage progression reveals an unusually low annual average of approximately 5,600 miles over its lifetime, which is well below the UK average for a 14-year-old vehicle. Between the 2023 test at 72,173 miles and the 2024 test at 78,639 miles, the car accumulated just 6,466 miles in a year, followed by another 113 miles before the 2025 failures. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers due to static loading. The lack of significant mileage between tests also raises questions about whether critical components—such as brake pads, tyres, or fluid systems—were serviced regularly, given the potential for degradation even in low-mileage vehicles when stored improperly. Given the recent test failures and the vehicle’s age, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and binding mechanisms, as these were likely the cause of the 2025 failures. The suspension should be examined for worn or cracked bushes, corroded coil springs, and excessive play in the steering or wheel bearings, all of which can develop silently over time. Tyre tread depth and uniformity should be checked, as the repeated failures—despite identical mileage readings—could imply a history of underinflation or uneven wear. Additionally, the underbody and wheel arches should be inspected for corrosion, especially around the sills and wheel housings, as prolonged standing increases the risk of structural weakening. Fluid levels and condition—brakes, power steering, and engine oil—should also be verified, as these are often neglected in low-mileage vehicles. The absence of recorded defects in earlier tests does not guarantee current reliability, particularly if the failures in 2025 were not fully resolved.