2018 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · C16 LAR

The defining mechanical thread across this CX-5's recent MOT history is a clear front suspension and rear brake wear pattern that surfaced simultaneously at the most recent test. On 17 July 2026 the vehicle failed on dangerously thin rear brake pads, with a corresponding advisory noting wear and pitting on the rear brake discs, and was re-presented and passed on the same day once the pads were replaced. That same visit flagged worn rear bushes on both front suspension arms and a cracking or perished offside rear tyre, alongside a minor windscreen defect. Prior to this, the 2025, 2024, and 2023 tests passed with either no defects or only a child seat fitment advisory, meaning the suspension and braking issues have emerged comparatively late in the vehicle's life rather than indicating a long-standing neglect pattern across the decade. The overall trend is therefore one of a relatively clean earlier record followed by a cluster of component-specific advisories all appearing at once, which is consistent with parts reaching their service interval at this mileage band rather than systemic deterioration. With 52,143 miles recorded over an eight-year span, annual accumulation averages around 6,500 miles, which sits squarely within the typical bracket for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps in testing history or unexplained jumps in the odometer reading between consecutive tests, and the mileage progression is steady, suggesting consistent rather than intermittent use. At this rate of accumulation, consumable wear on items such as brake pads, brake discs, tyres, and suspension bushes is to be expected and aligns with the components flagged in the latest test. The fact that there is no evidence of extended standing periods is relevant, as it reduces the likelihood of corrosion-related failures, seized calipers, or perished rubber components stemming from disuse, which can be a particular concern on vehicles that have been laid up. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for physical inspection mirror exactly the components recorded as advisory or failed. The rear brake discs, which were noted as pitted or scored, should be inspected for lipping, run-out, and surface corrosion, and a test drive should be used to check for brake judder under firm pedal application, any pulling to one side under braking, or a soft or spongy pedal feel that could suggest the rear calipers were sticking prior to the pad replacement. The front suspension arm rear bushes, worn on both sides, warrant a road test over uneven surfaces and speed bumps to listen for clonking, knocking, or a vague wandering sensation from the front end, all of which would indicate that bush wear has progressed beyond the advisory threshold. The vehicle should also be raised or viewed from underneath to check for any oil seepage from the rear diff or front driveshaft seals, as these are known wear points on Mazda CX-5s of this generation and have not been inspected under the MOT regime. Finally, the offside rear tyre flagged for cracking or perishing should be examined for sidewall deterioration and tread depth across all four corners, and any new tyres fitted should be checked for matching age and specification. The minor windscreen damage recorded is unlikely to obscure the driver's view but should be inspected to confirm it remains outside the swept area and has not propagated since the test. It is also worth confirming exactly which brake work was carried out between the failed and passed tests on the same day, as a same-day pass following a dangerous brake pad failure typically indicates replacement of the pads only, and a buyer should verify whether the pitted rear discs were replaced or skimmed, or simply left in service. A service history stamp verifying rear brake fluid change and inspection of the underbody corrosion protection would further support the roadworthiness picture, given that no structural or corrosion advisories have been recorded to date.