2015 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · ND15 ABK

The most recent MOT on 3 December 2025 resulted in a dangerous failure for the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint, judged likely to become detached, and the test was recorded as a failure. Earlier tests in 2024 and 2023 were passed but carried multiple advisories concerning tyre wear, brake‑hose corrosion and rear‑coil‑spring corrosion. The pattern shows a gradual accumulation of age‑related wear items that have now progressed to a safety‑critical defect, indicating a worsening trend rather than a stable or improving maintenance record. With 38,549 miles on the clock after eleven years, the vehicle averages roughly 3,500 miles per annum – markedly below the typical UK usage rate. Such low mileage often reflects periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be benign for drivetrain wear but may predispose components to calendar‑related deterioration such as rubber perishing, corrosion of suspension bushings and battery ageing. The modest mileage does not mask the fact that the car is now twelve years old, so age‑related checks are as important as mileage‑based ones. A prospective buyer should give immediate attention to the off‑side front anti‑roll bar ball joint. Inspect the joint for excessive play, cracked or corroded splines, and listen for a clunk or looseness when applying steering inputs or driving over bumps. Verify that the ball joint is properly secured and consider a professional replacement if any movement is detected. The front tyres were flagged as close to the legal tread limit with uneven edge wear; measure tread depth on both sides and check for cupping or feathering that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. Examine the brake hoses for any signs of ferrule corrosion, swelling or fluid leakage, and test the brakes for any pulsation or shudder that might betray internal hose degradation. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑use profile, also inspect the rear tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing or dry‑rot, confirming the DOT code to ensure they are not beyond six years old. Check the rear coil springs for surface corrosion and any loss of spring rate, which could manifest as a soft rear ride or uneven tyre wear. Assess the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and voltage drop, especially if the car has sat idle for long periods. Finally, inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and any signs of contamination, and arrange a complete fluid change if the service history is unclear, as time‑based degradation can affect performance even on low‑mileage vehicles.