2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · MV13 YAH

The most recent MOT on 2026-04-08 recorded a pass at 88,821 miles, but the prior test on 2026-02-13 revealed multiple serious defects. These included excessive brake binding on the offside rear, fractured and corroded rear coil springs, tyre cuts, thin brake pads, and worn brake discs. The failure highlights significant suspension and braking system issues, with several components nearing or exceeding safe limits. A recurring pattern of brake-related defects emerges, including worn discs, pitted surfaces, and imbalanced braking. Suspension components like coil springs showed fractures and corrosion, indicating potential structural weakness. Tyre damage, such as cuts and perishing, also appears inconsistent with the vehicle’s mileage, suggesting possible neglect or uneven wear. These issues were present in earlier MOTs, including a 2024 failure with a non-working direction indicator and a faulty windscreen wiper, though subsequent passes addressed some concerns. The trend shows partial improvement, as the latest MOT passed after the February failure, but the severity of the prior defects raises concerns. The vehicle’s age (13 years) and mileage (88,821 miles) align with typical usage, averaging ~6,832 miles annually. This suggests neither extreme under-use nor heavy wear, but the concentration of suspension and brake faults implies potential long-term maintenance risks.