2016 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · SA16 TMM

Significant suspension component wear and an engine management system malfunction represent the most recent mechanical concerns for this Vauxhall Insignia, following a failure on 29 September 2025. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 06 October 2025, the preceding test identified major defects involving excessively worn pins or bushes on both the nearside and offside rear upper suspension arms, alongside an inoperative or malfunctioning engine MIL. This recent failure breaks a period of clean MOT results dating back to 2024, indicating a sudden emergence of wear in the rear suspension geometry and electronic monitoring systems. The vehicle has covered 59,559 miles over its ten-year lifespan, which equates to an average annual accumulation of approximately 5,956 miles. This represents a lower-than-average usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. While lower mileage typically suggests less cumulative wear on drivetrain components and braking systems, it can also correlate with longer periods of inactivity or short-distance journeys, which may impact the condition of rubber components and fluid circulation. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the rear suspension assembly during a test drive. Given the recent major failures regarding the rear upper suspension arm pins and bushes, it is essential to listen for knocking, clunking, or thudding noises when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. Any lateral instability or a feeling of the rear end swaying through corners could indicate that the recent repairs to these bushes were either insufficient or that other related suspension linkages are also nearing the end of their serviceable life. Furthermore, the recorded advisory from 2021 regarding a binding offside rear service brake warrants investigation. On a test drive, check for any uneven braking performance, a pulling sensation to one side under deceleration, or excessive heat radiating from the rear wheels after a period of driving. The recent engine MIL failure also necessitates verifying that the dashboard warning lights function correctly and that there are no active fault codes or erratic engine behaviour, such as hesitation or irregular idling, which could stem from the previously identified electronic malfunction.