2021 Nissan Navara 2.3L Diesel · YL21 ABU

The most recent DVSA MOT test on this 2021 Nissan Navara took place on 3 July 2025 and resulted in a fail, although it is notable that the same date also records a pass, suggesting a retest on the same day once the defects were remedied. The failure items are a major nearside front service brake excessively binding and a major windscreen wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively. The binding brake is a significant concern as it indicates either a seized caliper mechanism, a stuck brake hose, or a compromised handbrake cable, all of which lead to uneven pad wear, excessive heat generation in the brake disc, and ultimately reduced braking efficiency and fuel economy. The windscreen wiper failure is less mechanically complex but still important, as it typically relates to worn blades, a perished linkage, or a failing motor. Considering the previous 2024 test pass with advisories, the trend suggests that the vehicle has been broadly maintained but is now showing some age and use-related deterioration, particularly in the braking system, which warrants close scrutiny. With approximately 30,003 miles recorded over five years, this Navara has covered around 6,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and category, albeit on the modest side for a working pickup. Such mileage suggests a mix of light utility and occasional leisure use, and importantly, the data does not show any large mileage gaps or unusually rapid accumulation that would indicate inconsistent usage. Modest mileage is generally favourable for major drivetrain components, though it does place greater emphasis on condition-based issues such as corrosion from standing periods, fluid degradation over calendar years, and rubber component perishing, rather than wear from high mileage. Given the recorded brake binding failure, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough road test paying specific attention to any pulling to one side under braking, uneven brake pedal pressure, or excessive heat radiating from the front nearside wheel hub after a gentle drive. Inspect the front nearside wheel for any signs of brake dust accumulation indicative of a dragging caliper, and listen for any grinding or scraping noises from that corner. It is also prudent to verify whether the brake discs have been machined or replaced, as prolonged binding will have caused premature disc wear and potential hot-spotting. During the test drive, check the operation of all wiper speeds and ensure the blades clear the screen cleanly without smearing, confirming that the wiper linkage and motor are functioning correctly. Additionally, given the 2024 advisories regarding rear tyres wearing on the edge and front inner brake pads wearing thin, inspect the current tyres for uneven wear patterns that could suggest misalignment or suspension wear, and check the front brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes. Beyond the recorded defects, this five-year-old Navara should be physically inspected for age-related issues that do not always appear on MOT records. Examine all four tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber degrades over time regardless of tread depth, and confirm that the manufacturing date code indicates they are not excessively aged. Given the moderate annual mileage, check the condition of the 12V battery, as these often fail on vehicles with shorter journeys that do not allow full recharging, and verify that there are no dashboard warning lights for the stop-start system which often correlates with battery health. Inspect the underside and suspension components, particularly the coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, for any corrosion or fluid leakage, and lift any interior or load-bay trim to check for moisture ingress or damp. Finally, confirm the service history documentation, ensuring that brake fluid, coolant, and differential or transfer case oils have been changed at calendar-appropriate intervals, and that the timing belt or chain service interval, depending on specification, has been observed or is not imminently due.