2018 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · FA18 PFO

The vehicle's roadworthiness status is currently stable following a successful retest, but the maintenance trend shows signs of recent deterioration. While the September 2025 test at 70,515 miles resulted in a pass, the immediate failure on the preceding day indicates several significant mechanical issues were present. The tester flagged an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber, an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, and a fault with the supplementary restraint system warning lamp. These failures represent a shift from minor wear to more critical component failures compared to previous years. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 8,800 miles per year. The records show a steady progression from 44,327 miles in June 2021 to 70,515 miles in September 2025. There are no obvious gaps in usage that would suggest long periods of inactivity, nor is there evidence of excessive high-speed or heavy-duty mileage that typically accelerates drivetrain wear. The usage pattern suggests regular, moderate operation. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the suspension and chassis components due to recurring issues. The offside front suspension arm ball joint has appeared in the records as having slight play in June 2022 and July 2024 before failing the test in September 2025. This indicates a persistent issue that was not adequately addressed or was allowed to progress. Similarly, the nearside rear shock absorber showed light oil misting in July 2024 before escalating to a serious fluid leak in September 2025. The electronic and safety systems also require careful inspection. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault appeared in both July 2023 and September 2025, suggesting an intermittent or unresolved electrical issue within the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner circuits. The recent failure regarding the engine malfunction indicator lamp also warrants a diagnostic check to ensure all sensor faults and emissions-related warnings are fully cleared and not merely reset for the test.