2018 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · AD18 FMU

A recurring pattern of rubber perishing and critical brake wear defines the mechanical history of this vehicle, despite a pass on 16 January 2026. A significant failure in May 2023 highlighted dangerous deficiencies, including front brake pads worn below 1.5mm, a seriously weakened offside front brake disc, and insufficient tyre tread. While the record shows a trend of passing in more recent years, the persistent advisories regarding rear brake pads and pitted rear discs indicate a history of wear on the braking system that requires verification. With 42,403 recorded miles over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 5,300 miles per year. This low annual accumulation is consistent with the repeated MOT advisories for perishing and cracking tyres observed between 2022 and 2025. This usage profile suggests that the degradation of rubber components has been driven by age and periods of inactivity rather than high-mileage mechanical wear. Particular attention must be paid to the front suspension and braking system. The 2025 record flagged severely deteriorated dust covers on both front suspension arm ball joints; during a test drive, listen for knocking or clicking sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or traversing uneven surfaces. Given the history of pitted rear discs and thin pads, the brake pedal should be monitored for any vibration or judder under deceleration, and the discs should be inspected for surface corrosion or scoring. The recurring reports of perishing tyres across multiple tests necessitate a thorough inspection of all tyre sidewalls for visible cracking. Confirmation is required that the tyres flagged in 2025 have been replaced. Finally, the child seat mentioned in the January 2026 test should be removed to ensure the adult seat belt operates correctly and retracts fully without obstruction.