2022 Vauxhall Vivaro-E 3100 Dynamic Electricity · FD22 EXA

A chronic pattern of tyre-related deterioration defines the mechanical profile of this 2022 Vauxhall Vivaro-e, with the 2026 test event exposing both the nearside and offside rear tyres as having heavy perishing on the outer walls. The seriousness of the situation escalated on the same date when the nearside front tyre was found to have a tread depth below the legal 1.6mm requirement, classified as Dangerous, alongside an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. An Offside Front wiper failing to clear the windscreen effectively was also recorded as a Major defect, resulting in a fail at that test. Despite the vehicle subsequently passing on the same day once rectification evidence was presumably supplied, the clustering of these defects indicates the tyres in particular have been subject to either ageing-related rubber degradation or irregular wear geometry that warrants close attention before purchase. The earlier May 2025 pass with no advisories suggests the tyre deterioration has been relatively rapid rather than a long-standing condition. With four years on the road and 26,113 recorded miles on the odometer, this Vivaro-e is accumulating roughly 6,500 miles annually, which sits squarely within expected parameters for a medium-sized commercial electric van. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing timeline and no sudden mileage jumps between tests, indicating consistent operational use rather than periods of standing or erratic deployment. For an electric drivetrain, this mileage level is moderate and should mean the high-voltage battery, electric drive unit, and associated thermal management systems have not been subjected to excessive cyclic stress. The braking system, benefiting from regenerative energy recovery, is unlikely to show severe wear at this mileage, but the standard friction braking components should still be inspected thoroughly given the commercial nature of the vehicle. Given the recorded defects, the most immediate priority on inspection is a careful walk-around and close examination of all four tyres. The advisory specifically notes heavy perishing on the outer walls of both rear tyres, which in a commercial van often points to under-inflation over time, aggressive cornering loads, or simply age-related rubber compound breakdown exacerbated by UV exposure. The offside front tyre showing edge wear further suggests a possible tracking or alignment issue, and any uneven shoulder wear across the remaining tyres should be noted. On a test drive, listen for any increase in road noise that might indicate cracked sidewalls flexing unusually, and visually inspect the tread blocks for small cracks radiating from the grooves, a classic sign of advanced perishing even when tread depth remains legal. Beyond the tyres, the failed wiper blade is a relatively straightforward replacement item, but it is worth checking that the wiper linkage mechanism is functioning smoothly without any slack or skipping, and that the windscreen itself is free from pitting or damage in the wiper sweep area. For an electric Vivaro, it is also advisable to verify the operation of the charging port flap and cable, listen for any unusual whining or clunking from the drive unit during low-speed manoeuvring, and confirm the high-voltage system shows no warning messages on the dashboard. A thorough test drive should include payload-style driving over uneven surfaces to expose any developing suspension knocks, particularly from the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam bushings, given the van is rated for commercial loads. Finally, request evidence of any recent tyre replacements and confirm whether a full four-wheel alignment has been carried out, as the edge wear pattern recorded suggests this may not yet have been addressed.