1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE2.5L DIESEL

The 2025-10-07 MOT failure reveals significant safety and structural concerns for this 1997 Mazda Bongo Friendee. Multiple critical issues were recorded, including front brake pads wearing thin, severe corrosion in steering and suspension components, and a major exhaust leak. The offside front steering rack gaiter was missing, allowing dirt ingress, while the power steering component showed slight seepage. These findings indicate compromised safety and potential long-term reliability risks. A recurring pattern of corrosion and suspension-related faults emerges across multiple MOTs. The 2024-08-08 failure highlighted body structure corrosion reducing rigidity, while the 2023-07-10 test noted excessive wear in suspension ball joints. The 2025 failure added further corrosion in steering mounts and drive shaft boots, suggesting progressive degradation. While some issues like tyre wear and minor oil leaks were addressed in earlier passes, the 2025 results show worsening structural and mechanical integrity. The vehicle’s low mileage (approx. 3,910 miles per year) may reflect infrequent use or periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate corrosion and component stiffness.