2018 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · GY18 OTU

This 2018 Dacia Duster passed its most recent MOT on 22 May 2026, but the test report reveals a pattern of recurring brake wear that is beginning to show signs of concern. The offside rear service brake has been noted as binding for at least two consecutive years, and although the binding has not yet reached excessive levels, the persistence of this issue suggests the brake components in that corner are wearing unevenly or are not releasing fully after application. The current MOT also recorded two new defects: a cracked nearside rear light lens and a critical warning that the engine malfunction indicator lamp is either inoperative or indicates an active fault. The light issue is cosmetic and easily fixed, but an inoperative or malfunctioning MIL is a serious concern because it means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system cannot reliably alert the driver to engine or emissions problems. This requires urgent investigation before purchase. Examining the broader trend, the brake binding issue has emerged and stuck around over the past year, appearing in both the 2025 and 2026 tests. Prior to that, the vehicle passed cleanly in 2023 and 2024. This suggests a gradual deterioration in the brake system, specifically in the rear, rather than a sudden failure. The binding is not yet severe enough to fail the test, but it is a clear warning that brake maintenance is overdue and that further wear could lead to a failed MOT or loss of braking efficiency. The recorded mileage of 114,825 miles on an eight-year-old vehicle works out to roughly 14,353 miles per year, which is notably high for typical UK usage.