2016 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · AN03 LEC

The 2016 Volkswagen Transporter has a recent MOT failure dated 2026-01-08, recorded at 90,408 miles. This failure highlights two critical issues: excessive wear in both the nearside and offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, and corrosion in both front coil springs. These defects were previously noted in earlier MOTs, indicating a recurring pattern of suspension and corrosion-related problems. The most recent failure aligns with a long-standing trend of suspension component degradation. Since 2023, the vehicle has shown progressive wear in anti-roll bar joints, suspension bushes, and coil springs. For example, in 2023, the offside front lower suspension arm bush was worn, and by 2025, the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint had slight play. The 2026 failure reveals this wear has worsened to "excessive" levels, suggesting potential safety risks if left unaddressed. Corrosion in the front coil springs has been consistently recorded since 2024, with no indication of repair. This points to ongoing exposure to moisture or road salt, which could accelerate structural fatigue in the suspension system. While the vehicle’s mileage (9,041 miles per year) is typical for its age, the repeated suspension issues imply either heavy use, poor maintenance, or environmental factors contributing to accelerated wear.