2010 Dodge Challenger 5.7L Petrol · PL59 HSZ

The defining mechanical story for this 2010 Dodge Challenger is one of intermittent but serious front-end and steering wear, with two MOT failures in 2023 that together resulted in five Major defects and one Dangerous failure, before the record stabilised into passes for the last two consecutive tests. The first 2023 failure on 10 August was largely cosmetic and lighting-related, covering inoperative front side repeaters, incorrect rear indicator colours, and a missing offside front position lamp, none of which suggest structural deterioration. The second 2023 failure, just fifteen days later on 25 August, is far more concerning, as both track rod end ball joints and the nearside drag link end ball joint were recorded with excessive play, while the offside drag link end ball joint was so worn it was classified as Dangerous with a serious risk of detachment. The vehicle was then presented a few days later on 29 August and passed with no defects, meaning replacement steering components must have been fitted in that short window, and the car has since passed again in September 2024 and September 2025. The 2024 test is not without note either, as a fail was issued for missing or ineffective steering rack gaiters on both fronts, alongside severely deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust covers, before a pass was recorded the same day once those items were addressed. The overall trajectory therefore shows a sharp deterioration in steering and suspension integrity through 2023 and early 2024, followed by a stable period with no recorded defects at the most recent test. Mileage on this Challenger stands at 100,917 against a 2010 registration, which equates to roughly 6,307 miles per year over its sixteen years, a figure broadly typical for a car of this age rather than unusually low or high. The MOT history contains six tests spanning 2022 to 2025, so there are no multi-year gaps in testing and no clear evidence of long periods off the road that would raise concerns about seized brakes, perished fuel lines, or moisture-laden brake fluid. However, the annual accumulation is on the modest side, and on a performance-oriented V8 coupe of this age and weight, such usage can still produce meaningful wear on steering and suspension components simply through age-related deterioration of rubber and bush materials, particularly given that the failures recorded in 2023 and 2024 were concentrated on those very items. The fact that all four MOT entries with recorded odometer readings cluster within a relatively narrow band is consistent with steady but limited use rather than long-distance motorway work. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is the steering and front suspension system, given that this is where every Major and Dangerous defect in the record has originated. The track rod ends, drag link ends, steering rack gaiters, and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints have all been flagged within a two-year window, and on a vehicle of this design the steering geometry and front geometry components share loads that can wear bushings and joints prematurely. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, as these are classic indicators of worn ball joints or deteriorated anti-roll bar links. Check for uneven or excessive steering free play, any wandering or pulling to one side under braking or acceleration, and uneven front tyre wear such as feathering on the inner or outer edges, which would suggest the steering or suspension geometry is not holding its set values. It is also worth asking for invoices confirming the make and quality of the replacement steering parts fitted in 2023 and 2024, as the speed at which so many related components failed in close succession could indicate either aggressive driving style or the use of lower-grade replacement parts. Beyond the steering concerns, a thorough physical inspection should also cover the condition of the front and rear brake discs, pads, and flexible brake hoses, as no brake-related advisories appear in the record but the car is now sixteen years old with over 100,000 miles, and original rubber hoses in particular can become brittle and prone to swelling under pressure even without specific MOT defects being recorded. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leakage from the power steering system, transmission, or rear axle, and pay close attention to the condition of the exhaust system and any visible corrosion on subframes, suspension arms, and mounting points, areas which the MOT tests would not necessarily have probed deeply given the recorded defect pattern. Finally, verify that all lighting functions correctly, particularly the front side repeaters, rear indicators, and front position lamp that were defective in August 2023, and confirm that the warning systems for any engine management or ABS faults are clear on startup, as these electronic systems become more failure-prone with age and may not always be captured during a standard MOT.