2017 Renault Kadjar 1.5L Diesel · CU17 PLO

A clear pattern of front suspension wear emerges across the MOT history of this Renault Kadjar, with both front lower suspension arm ball joints and their dust covers cited as major defects in two consecutive annual tests. The 2024-04-03 failure flagged both near and offside front ball joint dust covers as no longer preventing the ingress of dirt, a defect that was carried forward to be re-examined on the same day but apparently not rectified before the 2025-04-04 test, which recorded an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint excessively worn as a major failure. A subsequent brake disc issue was recorded as a major failure in April 2023, indicating that the front braking components had reached a serviceable limit. Despite these significant defects, the vehicle passed its most recent test on 2025-12-10 following the immediate rectification of a failed nearside headlamp dipped beam, with only a minor windscreen damage advisory carried over. The presence of two major failures within two years on related front-end components suggests ongoing mechanical attention to the suspension and braking systems will be necessary. With 106,001 miles recorded over a 9-year lifespan, the vehicle averages approximately 11,778 miles annually, a rate broadly consistent with typical mixed-use driving for a family crossover of this age. MOT testing has occurred annually since at least 2023, with no prolonged gaps in the testing record to suggest extended periods off the road, although the absence of earlier tests in the provided data should be acknowledged. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than clustered, and the recurring nature of front-end defects is consistent with a vehicle that has seen regular use on typical road surfaces, placing accumulated wear on suspension joints and brake components. At this mileage, attention to consumable wear items such as bushes, shock absorbers, and drivetrain mounts is advisable alongside the specific components already identified in the MOT record. Prospective buyers should focus the pre-purchase inspection on the front suspension and braking components, given the documented ball joint and brake disc failures. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed bumps or rough tarmac, as worn ball joints typically generate audible impacts over uneven surfaces. Steering response should be assessed for vagueness, wandering, or vibration through the wheel, particularly under braking, which would suggest worn front brake discs or compromised suspension geometry. The vehicle should be inspected on a ramp or over a pit to check for perished ball joint boots, leaking shock absorber seals, or perished front suspension bushes, as these are common wear points on a Kadjar of this age and mileage and may not have been captured in the MOT records if they had not yet reached the failure threshold. Additional checks should include verification of the headlight alignment and operation, as the December 2025 failure for a non-functioning dipped beam could indicate an underlying electrical fault, bulb holder corrosion, or wiring issue that warrants further investigation beyond a simple bulb replacement. The recurring advisory regarding the internal headlight adjuster being altered to recheck lights, noted in 2023 and 2024, also suggests prior headlamp alignment work has been carried out and should be confirmed as within specification. The windscreen should be inspected for any spreading cracks around the noted damage, and the front brake discs visually examined for scoring, lipping, or minimum thickness compliance, particularly given the documented major failure for significantly and obviously worn front brake discs in 2023. A diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes relating to suspension, braking, or lighting systems would provide additional reassurance before purchase.