2007 Subaru Legacy 2.0L Petrol · FN57 OFE

A pattern of critical safety failures has emerged in the most recent testing cycles, specifically regarding braking and tyre integrity. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 29 January 2026, this followed a failure involving dangerous rear brake pads worn below 1.5mm and a nearside rear tyre with tread depth below the legal limit. This follows a January 2025 failure involving visibility and lighting defects, indicating a shift from the clean records seen between 2022 and 2023. With 161,150 miles recorded over nineteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 8,482 miles per year, which is typical for its age. This level of accumulation means that high-wear consumables, drivetrain components, and suspension bushings are likely reaching the end of their natural service life. The consistency of the annual testing suggests the vehicle has remained in active use rather than suffering from long periods of stagnation. Attention should be directed toward the braking system and rear suspension. The 2021 advisory for worn, pitted, or scored front brake discs, combined with the 2026 dangerous failure for rear pads, necessitates a thorough check of the entire braking circuit. During a test drive, feel for any pedal judder or pulsation under braking, which would indicate the front discs remain pitted or warped. Listen for grinding noises or uneven stopping power that could suggest binding calipers or further disc degradation. The rear suspension requires scrutiny due to a 2020 advisory regarding a corroded offside rear coil spring. While not flagged in the most recent tests, corrosion of this nature can lead to sudden fatigue or failure. Listen for knocks or clunks when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and inspect the rear wheel arches for any signs of uneven ride height. Given the high mileage, any steering vagueness or knocks from the front suspension linkages should also be monitored during the drive.