2021 Skoda Kodiaq 2.0L Diesel · YD21 TZJ

The most recent MOT on 26 February 2026 was a pass, but it carried two advisories concerning wear on the nearside and off‑side front lower suspension arm pins or bushes. The two preceding annual tests in 2025 and 2024 were clean, indicating that the vehicle has generally been maintained to a satisfactory standard, yet the emergence of suspension‑related advisories suggests a developing wear issue that should be monitored closely. At 77 712 miles the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq has averaged roughly 15 500 miles per year, a mileage rate well above the typical UK average for a five‑year‑old family SUV. This level of utilisation accelerates the consumption of wear items such as tyres, brake pads and discs, suspension bushings, and engine oil, and it also places greater demand on the cooling and exhaust systems. The relatively high annual mileage implies that the vehicle has been driven frequently and possibly under varied conditions, which can exacerbate component fatigue and corrosion, especially if any periods of prolonged storage have occurred. The front lower suspension arm bush wear flagged by the MOT is the most immediate concern. On a test drive listen for a distinct clunk or thump when the steering wheel is turned sharply or when passing over bumps, and feel for any looseness or wandering under braking. Visually inspect the bushings for cracks, split rubber or excessive play in the arm pins; uneven front tyre wear can also be a symptom of deteriorating bushings. Given the advisory, it would be prudent to have the front lower control‑arm bushes examined by a qualified technician and, if they are approaching the limit of their service life, replaced before they develop excessive movement that could affect handling and tyre wear. Beyond the suspension, the high mileage and five‑year age merit a thorough check of age‑related items. Examine all four tyres for side‑wall cracking, tread depth loss, and any signs of dry rot, as rubber can perish even on relatively low‑kilometre tyres after several years. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, especially its cranking voltage and electrolyte level, since standing periods can reduce capacity. Inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have sufficient thickness and that the calipers are not binding. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes at the manufacturer‑recommended intervals, and consider a full fluid flush if the last recorded service exceeds 12 months, as fluids degrade with time as well as mileage.