2013 Honda CR-V 2.2L Diesel · RE13 OUX

Front suspension wear is the recurring theme across this CR-V's MOT history, with both track rod end ball joint dust covers and lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers now flagged on the most recent test on 28 July 2026. These components were first highlighted on the 2025 test when both front track rod end covers were noted as damaged or perished, and the 2026 examination has escalated the matter by also recording severe deterioration of both front suspension arm ball joint dust covers. While each individual defect was classified only as Minor and the vehicle passed, the fact that the same steering and suspension joint protection has deteriorated across two consecutive annual tests suggests progressive wear of the assemblies themselves rather than isolated rubber perishing. A buyer should not treat these as cosmetic notes, as compromised dust covers permit water and grit ingress, accelerating internal ball joint wear with the potential for knock, play or excessive movement under load. Recorded mileage stands at 154,171 miles across approximately 13 years of use, equating to an annual accumulation of around 11,859 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical UK averages for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows consistent annual testing with no multi-year lay-up gaps, indicating regular rather than sporadic use, which generally keeps drivetrain and brake components in working order but does accelerate wear of consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension linkages. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than abrupt, so there is no anomaly suggesting clocked readings or unusual use patterns. The braking system has been the most serious cause for concern in the record. On 29 July 2024 the vehicle failed with a Dangerous defect recorded against the front brake pads, which were found to be less than 1.5 mm thick, accompanied by a Major defect for a front brake disc recorded as significantly and obviously worn. The same test also flagged front tyres as worn close to the legal limit. The vehicle subsequently passed a retest on the same date with a tyre advisory still in place. In the 2023 test, both front brake discs were already noted as worn, albeit not excessively, and front brake pads were described as having only 2 to 3 thousand miles of material remaining, so the dangerous pad finding in 2024 represents the predictable outcome of those earlier advisories not being addressed in time. More recently, the 2025 advisory noted rear brake pads wearing thin and an exhaust gas leak under the bonnet area, neither of which has recurred on the 2026 record. For a prospective buyer, the steering and front suspension items require the closest physical inspection. With all four front ball joint and track rod end dust covers now recorded as damaged or severely deteriorated on the 2026 test, the actual joints beneath should be checked for any play by hand with the wheels lifted, and the front should be listened to carefully for knocking or clonking over speed humps, uneven road surfaces and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres. Uneven tyre wear, particularly inner shoulder wear on the front tyres, would also indicate worn suspension linkages. On the braking side, the pedal should feel firm without excessive travel or judder under heavy application, and any grinding, vibration through the steering wheel or pulling to one side under braking would warrant immediate further investigation of the front discs and calipers, particularly given the 2024 Dangerous and Major findings. The 2025 exhaust advisory under the bonnet area should be rechecked, as any ticking on cold start, smell of exhaust gases in the engine bay or visible soot around manifold joints would confirm an active leak. Finally, the rear brake pads noted as wearing thin in 2025 should be inspected for remaining material, and a thorough check made of the rear brake pipe condition, given that the vehicle is now a high-mileage 13 year old example.