2009 Renault Kangoo 1.5L Diesel · ML09 UOC

The mechanical history of this 2009 Renault Kangoo presents a notably inconsistent roadworthiness record, with significant structural and safety concerns emerging at multiple tests. The most recent outcome on 25 August 2026 was a pass, but it followed a failure just five days earlier on 20 August 2026 that flagged a fractured airbag warning lamp indicator, a worn rear suspension bush on the offside front lower arm, severely deteriorated CV joint boots on both front outer drive shafts, and a seriously damaged nearside obligatory mirror. Looking back further, the January 2025 test followed a similar pattern, passing on 30 January after a failure on 27 January that recorded another excessively worn front suspension arm bush, a fractured offside front coil spring, an inoperative position lamp, and a non-functional windscreen washer. Even more concerning, the November 2022 test featured a dangerous defect for front brake discs seriously weakened on both sides, alongside a badly distorted offside front road wheel and an excessively corroded offside rear brake pipe. The recurrence of suspension arm bush wear, brake pipe corrosion, and structural component failures across multiple years indicates ongoing deterioration rather than isolated incidents. With 109,512 recorded miles across approximately 17 years of service, this Kangoo has covered around 6,440 miles annually, a rate broadly consistent with its age and typical commercial or family utility usage. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than erratic, which means the recorded wear patterns genuinely reflect accumulated use rather than the skewed picture that high-mileage jumps or long standing periods can create. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, consumable components such as brakes, suspension bushes, and flexible boot covers are entering expected wear-out territory, but the severity and frequency of the recorded defects exceed what might be considered typical service wear for a comparable vehicle. A prospective buyer should focus particularly on the suspension and braking systems, given their repeated appearance in the failure record. The front lower suspension arm rear bushes have now been flagged twice for excessive wear in just over a year, so on a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and check for vague or wandering steering behaviour that could indicate worn linkage compliance. The fractured offside front coil spring recorded in January 2025 is a critical safety failure; although presumably replaced, inspect the vehicle unloaded at the offside front corner for any sagging or uneven ride height that could indicate spring fatigue on the nearside. With brake disc and brake pipe corrosion recorded in both 2022 and 2025, carefully examine the offside front and rear brake lines for surface rust, flaking, or any active corrosion weeping, and during the test drive, test the pedal for any sponginess, excessive travel, or judder under braking that would suggest warped discs. Additionally, the CV joint boots were recorded as severely deteriorated on both sides at the most recent test, which means grease loss and potential joint contamination could already be occurring; on a test drive, listen for any clicking or knocking from the front wheels during full-lock turns, either forwards or reversing. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault noted at the August 2026 failure suggests an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner issue that requires diagnostic interrogation, as this directly affects occupant protection systems. Finally, given the vehicle's age and the recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories, it is prudent to request an inspection of the underbody, fuel lines, and any structural mounting points for corrosion, as the pattern of brake pipe deterioration recorded over four consecutive tests suggests that other unprotected steel components in similar environments may be approaching the end of their service life.