2015 Jeep Renegade 2.0L Diesel · FP65 EOB

A clear pattern of accumulating front-end and brake wear has emerged on this 2015 Jeep Renegade over the past four MOT cycles, with the trend culminating in a recent failure on 16 December 2025. On that date the vehicle failed on Major defects for excessive play in both nearside and offside front track rod end ball joints, issues severe enough to prevent a pass certificate from being issued. Advisories recorded the same day noted a non-excessive front oil leak, pitting and scoring on the rear brake discs, and slight play in the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. Earlier tests show this deterioration was not sudden: the 2024 examination recorded play in both front steering rack inner joints alongside inner edge tyre wear and a worn rear suspension arm pin or bush, while the 2023 and 2022 tests consistently flagged rear brake disc wear and front tyre edge wear. The progression from steering rack play in 2024 to track rod end failure in 2025 suggests the front suspension and steering geometry has been degrading steadily, and any replacement work carried out at the most recent test must be verified by documentation. At 123,211 recorded miles across roughly eleven years, this Renegade has accumulated around 11,200 miles annually, a figure broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular mixed-use driving. The mileage progression between tests is steady, with no unusual spikes or extended gaps that might indicate long periods of standing or inconsistent use. Mechanically, this level of usage means consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and steering components have reached a stage where wear is expected, and the MOT history bears this out through the recurring advisories on braking surfaces, tyres and steering joints. The absence of tests between October 2019 and October 2020 reflects standard annual scheduling rather than any break in road use, and the relatively continuous testing record provides reasonable confidence that the recorded mileage reflects genuine running rather than clock irregularities. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing concern is the front steering and suspension assembly. The 2025 failure for excessive track rod end play on both sides means these joints have likely been replaced, but it is essential to confirm the work was completed professionally with genuine or quality-pattern parts and that a geometry alignment was carried out afterwards. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front wheels over speed bumps or rough road surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, bushes or top mounts. Any vagueness, looseness or rattle through the steering wheel, particularly when turning at low speed, could suggest the replacement has not resolved the underlying wear or that other steering components such as inner rack joints or drop arms are now approaching failure. Pay particular attention to whether the vehicle tracks straight without pulling to either side, as uneven tyre wear noted in 2022, 2024 and 2025 can result from misalignment following suspension work. The braking system also warrants close inspection. The rear brake discs were flagged for pitting and scoring at three consecutive tests in 2023, 2024 and 2025, suggesting they have been on the vehicle for some time and are likely due for replacement. On a road test, feel for brake pedal pulsation or vibration under firm application, a classic symptom of distorted discs, and listen for any grinding or scraping noises that might indicate pads running low. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2021 and, with the mileage accrued since, a fresh set is almost certainly required. Inspect the wheels and discs in person for lipping on the disc edges and check for any binding calipers by ensuring each wheel spins freely and cools evenly after driving. Finally, the recurring non-excessive oil leak from the front of the engine should be monitored; check the underside for fresh oil residue and inspect the coolant and brake fluid levels and condition, as higher-mileage Renegades can suffer from seals and gaskets hardening with age.