2018 Ford Galaxy 2.0L Diesel · LS18 LCA

The 2018 Ford Galaxy most recently passed its MOT on 13 April 2026, although the same day also produced a failure related to an inoperative nearside registration plate lamp, accompanied by advisories concerning front and rear brake disc pitting and scoring together with thinning brake pads at both axles. These brake-related advisories have appeared consistently across the 2025 and 2026 tests, indicating a clear deterioration in the braking system that warrants immediate attention. The 2026 test additionally flagged a light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber, worn rear anti-roll bar D bushes on both sides, a worn rear lower suspension arm bush, and a smooth brake pedal, all pointing to a vehicle whose chassis and braking consumables are showing the cumulative effects of high mileage use. Earlier history includes a 2025 failure for an ineffective windscreen wiper and a 2022 failure for tyre wear issues, while the intervening years were largely clean aside from minor advisories, suggesting a maintenance profile that has deteriorated noticeably in the most recent testing cycle rather than remaining stable. With 109,118 miles recorded on an eight-year-old vehicle, this Galaxy is accumulating approximately 13,640 miles annually, which is considerably above the typical average for its age and class. This level of use places substantially greater demand on mechanical components than lower mileage examples, accelerating wear on suspension bushes, dampers, braking systems, clutch assemblies, and drivetrain bearings. The MOT history shows broadly consistent annual testing with no extended gaps, confirming the mileage is genuine and the vehicle has been in regular service. Buyers should be aware that higher mileage Galaxy examples of this generation commonly exhibit wear in the dual-clutch automatic transmission, turbocharger actuator fatigue, and accelerated corrosion of underbody components, particularly given the additional strain placed upon a heavy people-carrier by frequent motorway and family use. Given the recurring brake-related advisories across consecutive tests, any prospective buyer should commission a thorough braking system inspection before purchase, paying particular attention to the condition of the front and rear discs, which the records indicate are now pitted and scored, alongside the pad material which is reported as wearing thin. The pedal smoothness advisory suggests the rubber friction surface has hardened, reducing braking effectiveness and potentially increasing stopping distances, so the pedal surface should be replaced and the brake servo operation checked for firmness. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm deceleration, which would confirm disc runout or thickness variation, and observe whether the vehicle pulls to either side, indicating a binding or seized caliper that commonly afflicts Galaxy rear calipers at this mileage. The brake fluid should also be tested for moisture content, as high-mileage regular-use vehicles benefit from biennial fluid replacement regardless of MOT status. The suspension advisories relating to the rear shock absorber, anti-roll bar D bushes, and lower arm bush are particularly significant and require a physical inspection underneath the vehicle, ideally with the wheels raised to allow deliberate rocking and leverage testing. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when cornering, and observe whether the vehicle exhibits any wandering instability or excessive body roll which would indicate compromised damping and bushing integrity. With eight years of service already accumulated, time-based deterioration should also be considered irrespective of mileage, including inspection of all cooling system hoses and the radiator for plastic degradation, verification of the timing belt or chain service interval history, and assessment of the 12V battery which typically requires replacement every four to six years. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing and cracking from age rather than tread wear alone, and a service history audit should confirm regular changes of engine oil, transmission fluid, and anti-freeze to validate that the high annual mileage has been supported by appropriate mechanical maintenance.