2015 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · CV15 YPL

A consistent theme emerges across the MOT history of this 2015 Dacia Duster relating to the front suspension dampers and tyres, with the offside rear in particular drawing attention for cracking and perishing across multiple consecutive tests. The most recent examination on 3 June 2026 returned a pass with no advisories, which is encouraging on the surface, but the preceding record is not uniformly clean. A failure recorded on 15 June 2023 cited a non-functioning horn, a nearside rear tyre cut exceeding permissible depth, and imbalanced rear braking across axle two, alongside the same nearside front shock absorber oil misting noted five days later when the vehicle was retested and passed. Prior to that, the 2022 and 2021 tests carried a cluster of advisories touching both front brake discs, the nearside rear outer tyre sidewall, and shock absorber damping, while an earlier 2021 failure centred on headlamp aim too low on both sides. Taken together, the pattern points to a chassis and running gear that has shown recurring minor wear issues rather than acute deterioration, with the most recent pass suggesting these matters have at least temporarily been addressed. The recorded mileage of 91,265 against an 11 year age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 8,300 miles, which is broadly typical and indicates no extended periods off the road or unusually intensive use. Testing has been carried out annually without significant gaps, beginning in 2021 and continuing each June through to 2026, which gives a continuous picture of the vehicle's mechanical condition year on year. At this mileage a Duster of this vintage will have consumed a substantial portion of its original suspension, braking and tyre life, and the recurring advisory pattern visible in the records is consistent with a car that has been used regularly rather than neglected or laid up. The continuity of testing also means there is no missing history to reconcile, and the mileage progression implied by the sequence of annual tests appears steady. For a prospective buyer, the most worthwhile inspection priorities are the front shock absorbers and the rear tyre sidewalls. The nearside front damper has been flagged for light oil misting or reduced damping effect in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and although this was not raised again in 2024, 2025 or 2026, oil leaks of this nature tend to progress gradually. On a test drive, press down firmly on each front corner and release; a car that bounces more than once before settling, or that produces a clunk or knock over uneven surfaces, suggests the dampers or their top mounts have deteriorated further since the last test. Listen too for any clonking from the front suspension over speed humps or potholes, which can indicate worn drop links, anti-roll bar bushes or strut bearings, all common wear items on a Duster at this mileage. The offside rear tyre should be examined closely for cracking and perishing of the sidewall rubber, as this was noted in 2021 and again in 2024; perished sidewalls can fail suddenly under load and any replacement tyre fitted since the last test should be checked for age and condition. The braking system deserves particular attention given the 2023 failure for rear imbalance across axle two, which can stem from a sticking caliper, a seized slider, or unevenly worn pads and shoes. On test, the car should pull up in a straight line without pulling to either side, and the rear brakes should feel progressive rather than grabby or weak. Inspect the nearside rear tyre walls and the offside rear for cuts or cracking, and verify that any replacements are of matching size and load rating. The headlamp aim should be checked against a flat wall at night, as both lamps were found to be set too low in mid 2021; incorrect aim not only fails the MOT but also compromises night vision and dazzles oncoming traffic when corrected. Finally, confirm that the horn, which was inoperative at the 2023 failure, is functioning on all settings, and that the high-mounted rear stop lamp illuminates correctly, as it was flagged as a non-obligatory failure in 2021.