VAUXHALL CROSSLAND2021 · 1.5L DIESEL

The vehicle remains currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a persistent and unaddressed mechanical issue. The most recent test conducted in March 2026 at 27,010 miles recorded an advisory for slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. This matches the exact advisory from the March 2025 test at 17,714 miles, indicating that the component has not been replaced despite being flagged a year prior. The mileage profile is low for a five-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,400 miles per annum. Between the March 2025 and March 2026 tests, the car covered 9,296 miles, which represents a recent increase in usage. While low mileage generally reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine components, it can sometimes lead to accelerated degradation of rubber-based suspension parts and ball joints if the vehicle sits for long periods without regular movement. A buyer must conduct a physical inspection of the front-end assembly to assess the extent of the ball joint wear. Since this fault has persisted across two consecutive annual tests, there is a risk that the play is becoming more significant, which could eventually lead to a steering failure or uneven tyre wear. The inspector should also check the condition of the suspension bushes for cracking and ensure that the low mileage has not caused age-related deterioration of the rubber components.