2015 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Petrol · RB15 CMB

A documented suspension component failure and a pattern of tyre-related advisories define the recent mechanical history of this eleven-year-old Mokka. The most recent test on 8 July 2026 produced both a recorded pass and a recorded failure on the same date, with the failure attributable to a nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint whose dust cover had deteriorated to the point that it no longer prevented dirt ingress. While the same inspection carried advisories for a non-excessive oil leak and worn front brake discs, the ball joint defect is the only major item recorded across the entire history and was resolved to allow the vehicle to pass later the same day. Earlier test entries from 2020 through 2025 show a generally stable trend, with passes recorded in 2021, 2022 and 2025 carrying no advisories at all, and intervening years flagging only tyre condition, rear brake pad wear and a coolant leak. The contrast between the clean mid-period results and the 2026 entry indicates that suspension and tyre components are now entering a phase where age-related wear is beginning to surface. At 61,385 miles on an eleven-year-old platform, the recorded accumulation equates to roughly 5,580 miles per year, which is notably below average for a vehicle of this type. Annual MOT entries demonstrate that testing has been conducted consistently every July from 2020 onwards, with mileage increments between tests remaining modest, suggesting either genuine light usage or extended periods of stationary storage between short journeys. Low annual mileage in itself does not confirm superior condition, as limited running can accelerate corrosion of brake discs, harden rubber components such as bushes and gaiters, and allow oil seals to weep through lack of circulation, any of which would be consistent with the suspension dust cover failure, oil leak advisory and slightly corroded front brake discs now appearing on the record. For a practical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the nearside front suspension assembly given the recorded ball joint dust cover failure. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks transmitted through the steering when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel during low-speed turns. With the vehicle raised or with the wheels loaded by turning, manually check the ball joint for vertical play and inspect the rubber boot itself for splits, grease loss or fresh contamination. The same corner should be examined for perished or cracked suspension bushes, as adjacent wear frequently follows a single component failure on this age of Mokka. On the front brakes, the recorded disc wear warrants a check for lipping on the disc edge, any grinding or pulsing under braking, and binding calipers, which is a known issue on lightly used vehicles. The tyre-related advisories across three consecutive tests in 2023, 2024 and 2026 indicate that rear tyre wear, cracking and damage have been recurring concerns. Both rear tyres were flagged as close to the legal limit and edge-worn in 2026, with a nail also recorded in the offside rear, suggesting that replacement of the full rear pair is likely to be due immediately. Conduct a thorough inspection of sidewalls for cracking, bulges or perishing, particularly on the inner shoulder where kerbing damage is easily missed, and verify the manufacturing date stamps are within an acceptable age range for an actively used vehicle. Under-bonnet, the oil and coolant leaks recorded in 2020 and 2026 merit a visual inspection with the engine warm; look for fresh seepage around the rocker cover, sump, coolant hoses and the area beneath the heat exchanger, and check coolant level and condition for any signs of mixing or depletion. Finally, given the low recorded mileage, confirm that the timing chain or belt service interval has not been overlooked, as long gaps between use can mask interval-based maintenance requirements.