2019 Renault Kadjar 1.3L Petrol · MP19 DXE

A recurring brake wear pattern sits at the heart of this Renault Kadjar's MOT record and warrants close attention before purchase. The most recent test on 5 August 2026 produced a pass, but the advisory list is dense and echoes issues seen across multiple previous examinations. Both front brake pads were recorded as dangerously thin (less than 1.5 mm) at the same visit, a defect that had previously appeared as a dangerous failure in June 2024, suggesting the front pads have been running through material at a steady rate rather than being replaced as a one-off. The front discs were also flagged as worn though not excessively on that date, while rear pads are once more described as wearing thin. Lighting defects have also recurred: a nearside headlamp failure on dipped beam in 2024 and an offside headlamp aim defect on the failed 2026 test indicate that the headlamp assemblies and adjustment hardware deserve a careful visual check and ideally a night-time functional assessment before committing to the vehicle. The most recent advisory concerning a corroded offside rear coil spring adds a further suspension-related concern to an already busy defect list. The recorded mileage of 56,471 miles across seven years equates to an average of roughly 8,067 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a family SUV of this age and does not point to extended standing periods or unusually high motorway accumulation. Tests have been taken annually without multi-year gaps, with six entries logged from 2022 onwards, so the mileage progression is consistent with a car in regular service. Two failures appear in the record, both relating to brake and headlamp defects, and four of the six annual tests have carried advisories, indicating that consumable wear and minor component deterioration have been a recurring theme rather than isolated incidents. The brake system should be the primary focus of any pre-purchase inspection. Both the front pads and discs have been flagged at the most recent test, with rear pads also noted as thinning, so a physical check of pad material thickness, disc lip measurement, and caliper slide pin operation is essential. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing from the front axle on light braking, feel for judder through the steering wheel under firm stops which would suggest disc run-out, and confirm the car pulls straight under heavy braking without vibration through the pedal. The handbrake should hold the vehicle on a moderate incline without excessive travel, as rear caliper mechanism wear can accompany the recurring rear pad advisories. The suspension and steering components merit equally close scrutiny given the recent coil spring corrosion advisory and the minor track rod end dust cover defect recorded at the same visit. During a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, top mounts, or strut bearings that commonly deteriorate on Kadjar mileage in this band. A steering wander or vagueness around the straight-ahead position, particularly on motorway driving, would point toward worn front strut assemblies or tie rod wear given the 2024 shock absorber fluid leak failure. The offside rear coil spring corrosion advisory should be inspected visually for any surface pitting that has progressed to flaking, as corroded springs can fracture under load. Finally, the tyre sidewall damage advisories recorded at multiple tests indicate that the current set should be examined closely for bulges, cracks, or scuffing, and a check of all four headlamps for correct dipped beam alignment and consistent illumination is advisable given the recurring lighting failures.