2014 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Diesel · FN64 WDV

The most recent MOT test on the 2014 Toyota RAV-4 recorded a clean pass on 2026-09-01, following a pattern of predominantly passing assessments with only minor advisories over the past two years. However, the vehicle’s history reveals a concerning trend in rear suspension arm bush wear, with two major failures in 2024—both citing excessive wear in the trailing arm front bushes on both nearside and offside rear suspension arms. These failures indicate a critical failure point in the suspension system, likely due to cumulative stress from repeated misalignment or improper maintenance, which could have been exacerbated by previous minor advisories on bush wear in 2021 and 2020. While the 2025 and 2026 MOTs passed without major defects, the progression of this issue suggests the suspension components may be nearing or past their operational lifespan, warranting immediate attention to prevent further deterioration, potential roadside breakdowns, or even accidents caused by excessive suspension play or misalignment. The vehicle’s mileage of 101,008 miles at 12 years old reflects a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,417 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a RAV-4 of this age. However, the consistency of mileage accumulation does not entirely mitigate the wear observed in the suspension system, as the trailing arm bushes appear to have failed prematurely under relatively normal driving conditions. The presence of tyre wear advisories—particularly the nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit and the nearside rear tyre showing signs of cracking or perishing—further suggests that the vehicle has been driven at a pace that has accelerated component wear beyond typical expectations. Tyre perishing on the rear tyre is a red flag, as it may indicate prolonged exposure to moisture or road salt, which can accelerate tyre degradation, and should be addressed promptly to avoid blowouts or hydroplaning risks. Additionally, the central rear seatbelt webbing showing slight damage in 2020 hints at either minor impact events or prolonged stress from frequent use, though this is unlikely to impact roadworthiness significantly unless further deterioration occurs. For a prospective buyer, the most critical inspection areas should focus on the rear suspension system, as the major failures in 2024 strongly suggest that the trailing arm bushes are either already compromised or will fail soon. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension, particularly when the vehicle is driven over bumps or at higher speeds, as these could indicate loose or failing suspension components. Visually inspect the rear suspension arms for any signs of rust, cracks, or excessive play when the vehicle is lifted slightly by hand—excessive movement should be avoided, as it may lead to misalignment and further wear. Additionally, check for uneven tyre wear patterns, which could correlate with suspension misalignment, and inspect the tyres for any signs of bulges, cracks, or tread depth below 1.6mm, especially on the rear tyre showing perishing. Beyond the suspension, the tyre wear advisories on the front tyres should prompt a closer look at brake system performance, as worn tyres can sometimes accompany brake pad or disc issues, though the 2020 and 2021 advisories on rear brake pad wear were only thin and not major failures. Given the vehicle’s age and the history of suspension-related issues, it is advisable to prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection by a qualified independent mechanic before purchase. The mechanic should assess the condition of the rear suspension arms, bushes, and any associated linkages, as well as the state of the front and rear tyres, including their tread depth and overall integrity. If the suspension components are found to be beyond repair, the cost of replacement should be factored into the purchase price, as these parts are not inexpensive and may require labour-intensive installation. Furthermore, the buyer should request service records to confirm that the vehicle has been maintained according to Toyota’s recommended intervals, particularly for fluid servicing (oil, brake fluid, coolant) and tyre rotations, which are critical for long-term reliability. While the MOT history is clean in recent years, the recurring advisories and major failures indicate that the vehicle has had underlying issues that may not have been fully addressed, and a proactive inspection will provide clarity on the true condition of the RAV-4’s major systems.