2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0L Petrol · FL67 CSY

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia presents a clear pattern of progressive brake system degradation over its four-year history, culminating in a confirmed major failure in March 2025 before stabilising with a clean MOT in March 2026. Two distinct failures stand out: first, a severe brake disc issue on both nearside and offside rears in March 2025 (advisories 5.2.3(e) and 1.1.14(a)(i)), followed by a front brake disc wear report in January 2024. The subsequent successful test on 2026-03-11 carried only a minor advisory regarding the rear registration plate, indicating the engine and chassis systems remain functional while the critical braking components required attention. This trajectory suggests the vehicle experienced accelerating brake wear that eventually forced a mandatory failure, though the most recent passing result does not guarantee continued reliability without proper servicing. With 82,229 miles recorded on a 2018 model, the annualisation yields approximately 10,279 miles per year, which aligns with expected consumption for a seven-year-old compact executive. However, the gap between the failed test on 2025-03-26 and the next MOT on 2026-03-11 spans nearly fourteen months without a recorded test, creating uncertainty about whether the vehicle was regularly driven during that period or stored intermittently. The progression of tyre wear across three separate MOT visits—inner-edge deterioration on both front and rear tyres flagged as 5.2.3(e)—combined with the repeated brake disc failures indicates that either the vehicle accumulated mileage unevenly or faced prolonged idle periods that allowed brake pad and disc material to degrade unnoticed until the threshold was reached. The high annual mileage combined with these findings implies that suspension and braking components may have sustained cumulative fatigue that manifested suddenly rather than degrading gradually. The most critical areas to inspect upon purchase are the rear brake discs and front brake assembly given the documented wear patterns. When operating the vehicle, pay particular attention to any grinding or squealing noise from the rear calipers, especially when applying hard braking at speed—the previously failed test specifically identified both nearside and offside rear discs as significantly worn, which would cause a noticeable drag or vibration through the steering when loaded. The front brake disc also showed pitting or scoring in the 2024 MOT, so listen for a pulsating brake pedal or a short-pulse sensation when decelerating, particularly on descents where the front brakes carry more load. Additionally, check for heat rash on the brake disc surfaces and ensure the brake fluid reservoir remains full and free of contamination, as the severity of the 2025 failure suggests the system was operating beyond safe limits even before the test was conducted. The repeated inner-edge tyre wear across multiple MOTs (5.2.3(e)) warrants investigation of wheel alignment and bearing condition, as cupping on the inside edge often results from misalignment or inadequate inflation pressure. On a test drive, monitor for any pulling to one side during turns, which could indicate uneven tyre wear progressing beyond the initial observation window. Inspect the subframe and suspension linkages visually for rust or corrosion, particularly around the rear axle where the rear brake disc failure originated—corrosion can compromise mounting points and lead to premature wear. Finally, confirm that the brake line routing remains intact and that the master cylinder and caliper pistons move freely without sticking, as these components were clearly compromised enough in 2025 to trigger a major failure and require professional repair.