2020 Hyundai Kona Electric · AV70 CFE

The vehicle currently fails to meet roadworthiness standards following the test on 22 May 2026 at 31,473 miles. This latest result marks a deterioration in mechanical condition, shifting from a series of passes to a failure caused by an excessively binding offside rear service brake and an ineffective nearside front windscreen wiper. The trend suggests resolving minor cosmetic issues while neglecting critical safety components, as the braking fault represents a significant mechanical risk rather than simple wear. Mileage accumulation remains low and consistent at roughly 5,246 miles per year since the car was new in 2020. Records show steady increments from 21,320 miles in September 2023 to the current 31,473 miles, indicating regular but light usage without long periods of inactivity that often accelerate rubber degradation. Despite this gentle use pattern, the interval between the September 2023 clean pass and the May 2026 failure reveals a gap where underlying mechanical issues likely developed unnoticed or were ignored until the mandatory inspection. Buyers must prioritize an immediate inspection of the rear braking system before considering purchase, specifically checking for seized calipers, corroded slide pins, or distorted discs that cause the excessive binding flagged in the recent test. While the windscreen wiper defect is a minor consumable item similar to the split blade noted in May 2025 and the perishing tyres seen in May 2024, the recurring nature of these failures points to a lack of proactive maintenance between annual tests. Previous owners appear to address only what is strictly necessary to pass, leaving the vehicle vulnerable to sudden component failure if the binding brake has generated excess heat or uneven pad wear over time.