2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · LR12 LSU

Degradation of the damping system is the primary mechanical concern for this vehicle, evidenced by a failure in May 2026 for a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber and a subsequent advisory for oil misting on the nearside front unit. While the vehicle ultimately achieved a pass on 15 May 2026, the record indicates a transition from minor cosmetic and wear-and-tear issues in previous years toward more significant component fatigue and fluid leaks. An accumulation of 181,060 miles over fourteen years represents a high usage profile, averaging nearly 13,000 miles annually. This level of sustained use places considerable stress on the drivetrain, engine internals, and chassis components. At this mileage, the vehicle has likely surpassed the standard service life of many original rubber bushings and mounting points, increasing the probability of play in the suspension and wear within the transmission. Immediate attention should be given to the current state of the suspension and the engine bay. During a test drive, listen for knocks or clunks when traversing uneven surfaces and observe the vehicle for excessive bouncing or instability after hitting a bump, which would indicate that the nearside front shock absorber has progressed from misting to failure. The recorded oil leak from the oil filter requires a physical inspection of the sump area to ensure the leak is contained and not indicative of a failing seal or gasket. Further inspection is required for the tyres and braking system. The nearside rear tyre was flagged as cracking or perishing in the latest test, and previous records show uneven wear on the offside rear inner edge, which often suggests alignment issues or worn suspension arms. Check the pedal feel for any softness or judder, as the rear brake pads were previously noted as wearing thin, and ensure the indicators are functioning with the correct colour and intensity to avoid a repeat of the 2025 failures.