2013 Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0L Diesel · FP62 VLS

A chronic pattern of front-end steering and suspension wear dominates the MOT history of this 2013 Vauxhall Vivaro, suggesting the vehicle has accumulated significant wear in its steering and braking systems over time. The most recent test on 30 October 2025 produced a fail with a dangerous defect for nearside rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, alongside a major defect for an inoperative nearside front position lamp, though the same day also recorded a pass. Advisories from that test repeated concerns first raised in 2024 regarding play in the nearside steering rack inner joint and pitted or scored nearside and offside rear brake discs. Earlier tests in 2023 and 2022 flagged play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint, and corrosion on rear brake pipes. The recurrence of steering component play and brake disc wear across four consecutive tests indicates ongoing degradation rather than isolated issues, pointing to a vehicle whose front suspension and rear braking hardware will require sustained attention. At 152,243 recorded miles over roughly thirteen years, the Vivaro accumulates approximately 11,700 miles annually, a rate typical for a working commercial vehicle of this age. The mileage gaps between tests are modest, with annual increases averaging around 14,000 to 16,000 miles in active years, consistent with fleet or light commercial use rather than private mileage. This level of sustained usage is fully consistent with the observed wear patterns in steering linkages, brake components, and suspension joints, all of which are subject to accelerated fatigue under higher mileage accumulation. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest prolonged storage, so corrosion noted on the rear brake pipes is more likely attributable to age and exposure rather than disuse-related moisture damage. For a prospective buyer, the steering rack inner joint play flagged in both 2024 and 2025 is the most pressing mechanical concern and warrants immediate attention. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when turning at low speed or traversing uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or looseness in the steering response, particularly around the straight-ahead position. Inspect the inner joint area for any visible movement when the steering is loaded by a second person turning the wheel with the engine running. The anti-roll bar linkage and track rod end play noted in 2022 and 2023 may have deteriorated further since those tests, so check for body roll instability through corners and any rattling over speed humps. The nearside front position lamp defect from the most recent test should be confirmed as rectified, and all exterior lighting should be verified functional. The rear braking system demands particular scrutiny given the dangerous pad thickness failure and the recurring disc pitting advisories on both rear discs across two tests. On a test drive, apply the brakes firmly from higher speeds and listen for any grinding or scraping noises from the rear, and feel for any pulsation through the brake pedal suggesting disc runout. Inspect the rear brake pipes near the fuel tank area, where corrosion has been flagged, checking for any surface rust, flaking, or signs of recent repair or sealing. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2022, so verify the current pad material thickness during a physical inspection. Given the mileage, a thorough check of the rear flexi brake hoses and any signs of brake fluid leaks around the rear axle area would also be advisable to ensure full system integrity before purchase.