2012 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · BJ12 KUW

Recurring suspension component wear and specific steering linkage failures define the mechanical history of this vehicle, with a notable trend of issues involving ball joints and track rod ends. While the most recent test on 15 July 2026 resulted in a pass, it included an advisory for slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and an inoperative offside rear registration plate lamp. This follows a significant failure in July 2025, where the vehicle was deemed dangerous due to an offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint likely to become detached, alongside a major failure for an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. The recorded mileage of 164,055 miles over a 14-year period represents an average annual accumulation of approximately 11,718 miles. This usage pattern is consistent with typical long-term driving requirements for a vehicle of this age. From a mechanical perspective, this level of mileage suggests that wear on consumable components such as tyres, brake pads, and suspension bushings is expected, as evidenced by the repeated advisories for worn tyres in 2022 and 2023, and thinning brake pads recorded in 2021. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front-end steering and suspension geometry during a test drive. Given the history of failures and advisories regarding track rod ends, suspension arm ball joints, and anti-roll bar linkages, it is essential to listen for any knocking, clunking, or rhythmic clicking sounds when navigating uneven road surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Any sensation of wandering or a lack of precision in the steering rack could indicate that the recent repairs to the track rod ends and ball joints have not fully addressed underlying wear in the steering system. Furthermore, the repeated advisories regarding tyres being worn close to the legal limit across multiple tests suggest that tyre replacement intervals have been closely monitored. During the inspection, the condition of all four tyres should be checked for uneven wear patterns, particularly on the inner edges, which could signal ongoing alignment issues related to the previously flagged suspension components. The recent advisory regarding the nearside front suspension arm ball joint indicates that while the dangerous defects from 2025 were addressed, the component is already showing signs of developing play, which may require further attention in the near future.